Manchester City Completes James Trafford Transfer to Leeds United, Recruits Gerónimo Rulli
One position at Manchester City that did seem uncertain was the goalkeeping position. The safe bet when the 2025-26 season ended was that Gianluigi Donnarumma would remain City’s first-choice keeper under Enzo Maresca. The question was whether James Trafford would depart City and how he would be replaced if he did leave the club as expected. That answer has arrived with James Trafford completing a permanent move to Leeds United and Marseille keeper Gerónimo Rulli coming in to be Manchester City’s backup goalkeeper.
James Trafford has completed his transfer to Leeds United.
Manchester City have announced today that James Trafford has signed for Leeds United. Trafford returned to City last summer when he completed a permanent move to the Etihad from Burnley. At the time, it did seem like Trafford would go on to become Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper after learning from Ederson. However, Ederson would leave City to sign for Fenerbahce and Manchester City would sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG. Donnarumma’s arrival meant that Trafford became Manchester City’s backup and cup goalkeeper.
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James Trafford did play a key role in Manchester City’s FA Cup and Carabao Cup success last season. He started both finals and his triple-save against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final was pivotal to Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal at Wembley. Trafford’s form throughout City’s FA Cup run was also a key component of Manchester City’s FA Cup triumph last season.
Speaking with mancity.com after his transfer to Leeds United was confirmed, James Trafford looked back on his two spells at Manchester City fondly. However, he did state that he had his own personal ambitions that needed to be fulfilled, hence the move to Leeds United. Speaking after signing for Leeds United, Trafford said: “Manchester City will always mean a lot to me. My two spells here were both really positive. To come through the Academy, learn the City way of playing football and spend time with so many top coaches and young players gave me a fantastic platform to have a career in the game.“
“And to then come back and win two trophies felt really special. I have dreams and ambitions in the game to achieve, but I will always think of City with affection.“
Gerónimo Rulli seems to be on his way to Manchester City.
With James Trafford now a Leeds United player, Manchester City are in the market for a backup goalkeeper. It looks like City have found their Trafford replacement with Olympique Marseille keeper Gerónimo Rulli seemingly on his way to the Etihad.
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Foot Mercato has reported that Manchester City and Olympique Marseille have reached an agreement that will see Gerónimo Rulli become Gianluigi Donnarumma’s understudy. At this time, the financial details of the agreement between the two clubs have not been released.
Manchester City seemingly have their James Trafford replacement in Gerónimo Rulli. City are losing one of the top young English goalkeepers in Trafford who will now get the opportunity to be Leeds United’s first-choice keeper, which will help him fulfill his career ambitions. Gerónimo Rulli is set to replace Trafford in Enzo Maresca’s squad. City will add an experienced goalkeeper to be Gianluigi Donnarumma’s backup as the goalkeeping situation at the FA Cup and Carabao Cup holders offers clarity entering the 2026-27 season.