Transfer Market: Substitute Becomes Fifth Most Expensive Goalkeeper Ever

Rarely has a substitute commanded such a hefty price tag. Leeds United has just shelled out £40 million (approximately €47 million), plus add-ons, to secure the services of James Trafford.

The 23-year-old England international now becomes the club's most expensive signing in history, following a season where he was relegated to the bench at Manchester City, behind Donnarumma.

After just 17 appearances for the Citizens, who had paid €31.5 million to sign him from Burnley last season, the Manchester City academy product is once again leaving the club permanently. The club, where Hugo Viana serves as sporting director, has secured a 20 percent sell-on clause for any future profit, in addition to retaining a buy-back option.

While his return to Manchester from Burnley had already placed him among the top 10 most expensive goalkeepers in history, this latest move, despite spending the season as a backup, now elevates him to the fifth most expensive goalkeeper ever, surpassing former Benfica star Ederson when he transferred from the Estádio da Luz to Manchester City.

Ahead of Trafford on that list are only André Onana (€52.5 million from Inter to Manchester United), Gianluigi Buffon (€53 million from Parma to Juventus), Alisson (€62.5 million from Roma to Liverpool), and Kepa Arrizabalaga (€80 million from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea).