James Trafford
LEE
GK
--
Oct 10, 2002 (23)
Right
6'4"
183 lb
Leeds UnitedFour saves in 1-1 draw
Trafford had four saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brighton.
Analysis: Trafford has made four saves for the second 1-1 draw in a row, having also kept a clean sheet in the opening game of the season. This brings him to 11 saves for the three games so far this season. The keeper will look to prepare for a match against Newcastle, who he had been heavily linked to last season.
Four saves in draw
Trafford had four saves and allowed one goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.
Analysis: Trafford made four saves in Sunday's 1-1 Premier League home draw with Brentford, denying Igor Thiago's rasping half-volley in the opening minutes, Nathan Collins' glancing header and Mikkel Damsgaard's powerful drive from inside the area, before producing a stunning diving save to claw Thiago's close-range header off the line in the 79th minute with the Brazilian poking the rebound wide. He was beaten only by Kevin Schade's inventive flick in the 41st minute, a goal he had no realistic chance of stopping. Trafford now has seven saves and one goal conceded across Leeds' opening two Premier League fixtures as the Whites maintain an unbeaten start with four points.
Three saves in Leeds debut clean sheet
Trafford recorded three saves and secured a clean sheet in Saturday's 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Trafford started his career at Leeds with a brilliant clean sheet victory as they defeated Nottingham Forest 1-0 on the opening day. The 23-year-old had only played four Premier League games at the start of last season for Manchester City. He had kept one clean sheet in that time before being replaced by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Joins Leeds United permanently
Trafford has completed a transfer to Leeds United from Manchester City, according to his new club.
Analysis: Trafford has had a few turbulent seasons between all of his transfers and has found yet another club to play for, leaving his youth club, Manchester City, after returning last season, and now joining Leeds United. He served mainly as the City's starter in domestic competitions last campaign, only making four Premier League appearances, coming in the last match of the season and in the few games before Gianluigi Donnarumma was signed. However, the young keeper does have further Premier League experience with Burnley in the 2023/24 season, although it didn't go as he would've liked. He is still hailed as one of the better young keepers in the world and is likely to take the role of Lucas Perri immediately, trying to help Leeds defensively after they allowed the fifth most goals in the league last season.
Starts in season finale
Trafford had three saves and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
Analysis: Trafford started Sunday as the season closed out, not having the performance he wanted, with the goalie notching three saves and two goals allowed. This comes despite a clean sheet in his last outing, holding a goalless outing in the FA Cup final. It will be interesting to see what happens with the goalie in the offseason after having his job taken by Gianluigi Donnarumma to begin the season, limiting Trafford to only four league appearances all season.
Zero saves in FA Cup win
Trafford recorded zero saves and a clean sheet in Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea.
Analysis: Trafford was not tasked with much in Saturday's win, as the goalie earned a clean sheet on zero wins as Chelsea was defeated. This now sees the young keeper lead City to two trophies this season, also starting in the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Arsenal. However, he is still set for a role behind Gianluigi Donnarumma in most matches, leaving some questions for Trafford heading into the 2026/27 season.
Clean sheet against Liverpool
Trafford recorded five saves and a clean sheet in Saturday's 4-0 win over Liverpool.
Analysis: Trafford earned another start, making it two in a row, starting in both Cup matches before Donnarumma resumes his starting role in league play. He has now recorded a clean sheet in both Cup games, with nine saves between the two outings. Unfortunately for the keeper, it appears he is still set for back up role, hoping he can at least get the nod for their FA Cup semifinal against Southampton.
Rough UCL debut
Trafford recorded no saves and allowed two goals in Tuesday's 2-0 defeat versus Bayer Leverkusen.
Analysis: Trafford would finally get another start Tuesday, his first appearance in net since Gianluigi Donnarumma took his role and joined the club. However, Trafford would have a rough day, not making a single save while allowing two goals, almost giving up a third after coming too far off his line. He will likely return to the bench after the woeful outing, only earning starts here and there.
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