23 Jul 2026 12:36:09
Seems to be a lot more chat re Leeds and James Trafford.

Be amazing if it were to happen, but unfortunately I suspect a) it's just media crap and b) we haven't got the money.

Would love to be wrong on both counts as I think he's a top-drawer keeper who can only get better - gingers crossed but not holding breath!

1.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 13:39:41
Agreed, Cleggy.

..and if it's fancifully £50 million for Trafford.. how much left in LUFC transfer kitty for other players?

If you are going to spend big, do it on a quality, proven goalscorer, not on a keeper.

Plenty of good, reliable keepers available for far, far less!

2.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:09:16
Zetterstrom from Derby - surely worth a punt, Baz?

3.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:25:19
Apparently Trafford wants a buy out clause inserted in the contract if he signs, according to report on Talksport.

4.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:29:00
Thing is, Baz, I guess we just don't know if anything that's said is correct, like Trafford's price seems to go up each week; it was 40 not so long ago, even if Citeh are gonna sell. Also, are we investing for the long term in which £40 million for a quality keeper makes sense.

We seem to be linked with so many players, it's pretty much speculation and little fact. Very frustrating waiting for something to happen.

5.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:35:08
It would appear as though there are some conversations going on between the clubs - too much chatter from too many sources for it to have no substance.

6.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:44:10
I still think £50m is only a flat fee demand and media hype. We shouldn't be in at that price.

Trafford prefers us because his other main options are limited.

Newcastle just signed a 20m keeper who may not be no.1 this yr, but you'd be wary.

Villa still have Martinez, despite links leaving.

I think a deal Leeds are in at should be £35m.
20% of any future profit to City (unless City themselves buy him back) .

60m release clause.

Realistically, City like him still, and might be back for him in a few years. However, they disrespected him by promising a chance at first team and then buying Donnarumma a few days later.

He possibly, and understandably, holds a grudge over that. Letting him leave for a reasonable fee, and with control over his future, is a good way to show 'we're sorry we wronged you', and please consider us in three or four years when we are ready to move on from Donnarumma.

If City rejected what Trafford's camp viewed as a fair offer from us, which would leave an unhappy player stewing. No one wins, and they'd never get him back if they wanted.

He's our first choice for sure. But there are others.

7.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:54:11
Agreed, Davey Vid.
And, I, for one, am looking forward to the end of the window.

Here's a crowd-pleaser, and esp for Brighty. ?

39 days till end of window. Not long left!

Can Leeds United please avoid timewasting, forlorn transfer sagas, please. More speedy Tarek-style deals, less Sc stuff. Cheers.

8.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:55:10
Good shout, Cleggy, re the Derby keeper.

9.) 23 Jul 2026
23 Jul 2026 14:58:15
Great points, Ealing. The good news is that we are now attracting the interest of quality players. I would think we are now viewed as a decent project to be involved in when you look at our trajectory, spades in the ground to build Fortress ER, competing with top-half teams last season, and quality already with us like Stach, Gabby, Bijol and now Muharemovic.

The defence is looking imposing, and with a quality keeper would be awesome. As Baz rightly points out, though, we need quality up top and a playmaker like Pabs. But there is much hope that we can continue our rise. ?