Leeds United are edging towards their third summer signing and what a signing it could be. The YEP understands they are close to reaching an agreement worth £40million plus add-ons with Manchester City for their goalkeeper James Trafford, making him their club-record transfer and the fourth-most expensive goalkeeper of all time.
Should Leeds get a deal for Trafford over the line, he will join Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic in the new arrivals group, with arguably the three biggest holes in Daniel Farke’s squad all filled. And they will all have been filled by top targets, no less.
Farke’s squad is starting to shape up nicely with less than four weeks to go until their 2026/27 Premier League campaign kicks off at Nottingham Forest on August 22. Below, the YEP takes a look at how the starting-XI and bench could look if Leeds can get Trafford over the line.
1. Leeds United's new best XI
Let's see what Farke has to play with. | Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images
2. GK: James Trafford
Will come straight in as No.1 pending completion of a club-record £40m transfer from Manchester City. The 23-year-old could prove this summer's most important signing. | Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images
3. CB: Joe Rodon
Brings continuity through the Leeds spine having been virtually ever-present through all three years under Farke. Covering pace is very important.
4. CB: Jaka Bijol
Settled into a back three and seemed to improve every week. Will be an important confidant for the newest defensive addition given his experience swapping Serie A for the Premier League.
5. CB: Tarik Muharemovic
Expected to come in as Pascal Struijk's replacement with hope he can even upgrade the position, Premier League adaptation pending. Fans will be excited to see the Bosnian make his debut. | Getty Images
6. RWB: Jayden Bogle
Stepped up to the Premier League with relative comfort last season, thriving in the wing-back role. Should link up well with his new right-wing teammate to come later on. | Getty Images