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The goalkeeper carousel at Elland Road is spinning once again. According to reports from TEAMtalk and GIVEMESPORT on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, Leeds United have identified Manchester City’s James Trafford as their "priority" target for the summer window.
Despite only re-joining City from Burnley for £27m in July 2025, Trafford is reportedly eyeing an early exit after falling behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in the pecking order at the Etihad.
The "Farke" Revolution: Why Leeds Want Trafford
Leeds manager Daniel Farke is reportedly "underwhelmed" by current summer signing Lucas Perri, who was recently dropped in favor of veteran Karl Darlow.
The Vision: Leeds see the 23-year-old Trafford as a "commanding presence" who can anchor their defense for the next decade.
The Price Tag: Manchester City are expected to demand a fee exceeding £30 million to sanction the sale, representing a small profit on their investment.
The Competition: Leeds aren't alone. Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation, potentially viewing Trafford as a long-term successor to Guglielmo Vicario or Emiliano Martínez.
James Trafford: The 2025/26 City Struggle 📊
Trafford’s return to Manchester hasn't gone as planned due to the late-summer arrival of Italy’s #1.
Transfer Insight: Leeds' move for Trafford is heavily dependent on Premier League survival. Sources indicate that if the Whites avoid the drop, they are prepared to make Trafford one of the highest-paid goalkeepers in the club's history.
The Verdict: Leeds need stability between the posts, and Trafford needs a home where he is the undisputed #1. If Daniel Farke can keep Leeds in the Premier League, this deal looks like a "win-win" for a player who proved his top-flight pedigree at Burnley just two seasons ago.