Leeds United have signed Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in a deal worth up to £45m, ending the England international's second spell at the Etihad Stadium after just one season.
The 23-year-old had returned to Manchester City only last summer, when the club activated a buy-back option and paid Burnley £27m to bring him back. His departure a year later means more than £80m has now been spent on Trafford in initial transfer fees alone.
A New Benchmark for British Goalkeepers
The move sets a new record fee for a British goalkeeper. It surpasses the £30m Everton paid Sunderland for Jordan Pickford in 2017, a figure that had stood as the benchmark for eight years.
It also places Trafford among the most expensive goalkeepers in the history of the game. Only Kepa Arrizabalaga, who moved for £68m, and Alisson, signed for £62m, have commanded higher fees.
Why City Let Him Go
Trafford made 17 appearances for Manchester City last season, four of them in the Premier League, and played a significant part in the club's Carabao Cup and FA Cup triumphs.
His route to the first-choice role closed in September with the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma. The Champions League-winning goalkeeper's signing ended Trafford's hopes of establishing himself as City's number one, and made a further move the logical next step.
City have not cut ties entirely. BBC Sport understands the club will retain a 20% sell-on clause as part of the agreement, along with matching rights — meaning that if they match a future offer for Trafford, they will be given first refusal.
A Gap Leeds Needed to Fill
Leeds boss Daniel Farke appears willing to pay a premium despite Trafford's limited minutes last season, and the reason is straightforward: both Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier left Elland Road this summer.