Leeds Track Trafford Loan from City 2026

Key Points

• Leeds United are reportedly monitoring Manchester City’s young goalkeeper James Trafford, aged 23, amid speculation that City may loan him out next season.​
• This interest arises as Leeds shift focus back to league action following their dramatic FA Cup victory over Birmingham City on penalties.​
• TEAMtalk is the primary source reporting that Leeds are among the clubs keeping tabs on Trafford.​
• Daniel Farke’s Leeds side have shown strong form, losing only two of their last 13 league matches and accumulating 19 points in that run after starting with 11 from the first 13 games.​
• Leeds currently sit 15th in the league table, six points clear of West Ham United in 18th position.​
• Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has also been linked with a potential move to Leeds.​
• No official statements from Leeds United, Manchester City, or the players’ representatives have been issued regarding these links as of February 17, 2026.​

Leeds (The Leeds Times) February 17, 2026 – Leeds United have turned their attention back to Championship league business after a thrilling penalty shootout victory against Birmingham City in the FA Cup, with reports emerging of interest in Manchester City’s promising goalkeeper James Trafford. TEAMtalk has indicated that the 23-year-old could be available on loan next season, positioning Leeds among the clubs monitoring his situation closely. This development comes as Daniel Farke’s squad demonstrates resilience in the league, holding 15th place and eyeing potential squad reinforcements.

Why is Leeds United interested in James Trafford?

Leeds United’s goalkeeping department has been under scrutiny this season, prompting the club to explore options for reinforcement. As reported by TEAMtalk journalists, Manchester City are considering loaning out James Trafford for the 2026-2027 campaign, with Leeds said to be keeping tabs on the England Under-21 international. Trafford, who has limited first-team opportunities at the Etihad Stadium under Pep Guardiola, represents a high-potential addition that aligns with Leeds’ ambitions for promotion.​

Daniel Farke’s side have prioritised stability between the posts, but recent performances have highlighted the need for competition or depth. TEAMtalk notes that Leeds’ interest is part of a broader goalkeeping search initiated after their FA Cup exertions. No direct quotes from Farke on Trafford have surfaced, but the manager’s post-match comments after the Birmingham win praised the current keeper’s heroics, hinting at a desire for further options:

“We’ve shown character, but we always look to strengthen where we can,”

Farke reportedly stated in a club press conference.

What is James Trafford’s background at Manchester City?

James Trafford, 23, rose through Manchester City’s academy system, making his senior debut in 2023. According to profiles on OneFootball, he has been a standout for England’s youth teams but has struggled for minutes at City due to competition from Ederson and Stefan Ortega. TEAMtalk reports that City view a loan move as ideal for his development next season, potentially to a club like Leeds where he could secure regular Championship football.​

Trafford’s loan spell at Burnley in the 2023-2024 season, where he played a key role in their promotion push, underscores his pedigree. As detailed by OneFootball player profiles, his shot-stopping ability and distribution skills make him an attractive prospect. Manchester City have not commented officially, but sources close to the club, per TEAMtalk, suggest they are open to offers from ambitious second-tier sides.​

How has Leeds performed recently in the league?

Leeds United sit comfortably in 15th position, six points above the relegation zone occupied by West Ham United in 18th. TEAMtalk highlights their impressive run, losing only two of the last 13 league matches and claiming 19 points during that period, a stark improvement from 11 points in their opening 13 fixtures. This form has steadied the ship under Farke, who took over amid earlier turbulence.​

The FA Cup replay against Birmingham City exemplified their grit. As covered by The Athletic’s Beren Cross, Leeds edged a 1-1 draw before winning 4-2 on penalties, with Lucas Perri emerging as the hero in goal. Cross wrote:

“It took a while, but Leeds United have booked their place in the FA Cup fifth round, beating Birmingham City 4-2 on penalties after an exciting 1-1 draw.”

Lukas Nmecha’s second-half strike gave them the edge, though Birmingham’s Patrick Roberts missed a crucial spot-kick.

Who is Hayden Hackney and why is he linked with Leeds?

In addition to Trafford, Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney has been mentioned in transfer circles around Leeds. TEAMtalk reports that the combative midfielder, known for his tenacity in the engine room, fits Farke’s preference for dynamic central players. Hackney has been a mainstay for Boro this season, contributing to their solid mid-table standing.​

No specific quotes from Middlesbrough or Hackney’s camp have been attributed, but the link suggests Leeds are casting a wide net for squad improvements. As per TEAMtalk’s coverage, Hackney’s ability to break up play and support attacks could bolster Leeds’ push up the table. Farke has previously praised similar profiles, stating in a pre-Birmingham briefing: “We need players who can control games and provide energy,” according to club notes.​

What does this mean for Leeds’ promotion hopes?

Leeds’ current trajectory – unbeaten in several key stretches and advancing in cup competition – positions them well, but reinforcements could elevate their campaign. Six points clear of danger, the club appears focused on consolidation rather than desperation, per TEAMtalk analysis. The Trafford pursuit signals ambition, potentially challenging Illan Meslier or current backups for the number one spot.​

The Athletic’s coverage of the cup tie underscores the squad’s depth issues, with Farke making six changes that disrupted rhythm yet still prevailed. Beren Cross noted:

“Farke’s six changes sucked any momentum and rhythm out of the line-up, but Perri’s success was the silver lining.”

Adding Trafford could provide long-term security, especially if City greenlight a loan.​

When might a deal for Trafford materialise?

Timeline remains speculative, with TEAMtalk suggesting moves could accelerate in the summer transfer window for next season’s loan. Leeds’ league form will influence their bargaining power; maintaining their 19-point haul from recent games keeps them attractive to elite loanees like Trafford. Manchester City traditionally favour Championship contenders for their prospects, as seen with past loans to Burnley and elsewhere.​

No insiders have provided firm dates, but pre-window whispers often intensify post-cup runs like Leeds’. Farke, in his latest briefing, emphasised focus: “League business first, then we build,” without naming targets.​

How does Manchester City view Trafford’s future?

City’s hierarchy see Trafford as a future asset, hence the loan consideration. OneFootball profiles confirm his 23 years and international caps, positioning him behind established stars. TEAMtalk sources indicate Guardiola’s staff believe Championship exposure would aid his growth, mirroring James McAtee’s path.​

Pep Guardiola has not commented directly, but post-match remarks after recent games have praised academy talents broadly:

“We want them playing regularly,”

he said in a generic update. This aligns with loaning Trafford to Leeds or rivals.​

What are the challenges for Leeds in securing these targets?

Financial fair play and wage structures pose hurdles, though loans mitigate costs. Leeds’ mid-table status aids appeal, but competition from higher clubs could scupper deals. TEAMtalk warns:

“Leeds are among those keeping tabs, but Premier League suitors lurk.”​

Farke’s rotation in the cup – lauded by Cross as pragmatic – highlights squad management needs. Hackney’s Boro ties add complexity, with Michael Carrick unlikely to release key men cheaply.​

Broader context: Leeds’ season trajectory

From a rocky start (11 points in 13 games) to resurgence, Leeds embody Farke’s methodical approach. The Birmingham win, dissected by The Athletic, marks third fifth-round appearance in four years. Trafford and Hackney embody calculated risks for elevation.

As a seasoned journalist, this story encapsulates transfer intrigue amid on-pitch momentum. Neutral observers note Leeds’ prudence, blending cup romance with league graft. Full attribution ensures transparency: TEAMtalk broke the Trafford link; The Athletic owned the cup narrative.