James Trafford explains wellbeing reasons behind Leeds move after City frustration

James Trafford says the need to play regularly for his mental wellbeing drove his summer move from Manchester City to Leeds United. In an interview reported by BBC Sport on Saturday, the England goalkeeper described the personal strain of spending most of the previous Premier League season outside City's starting side, despite finishing the campaign with two domestic trophies.

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City brought their academy graduate back from Burnley in July 2025, but his prospects changed when Gianluigi Donnarumma joined from Paris St-Germain less than six weeks later. Trafford started City's opening three league matches. After the Italy international arrived and became first choice, Trafford made only one more Premier League start across the remaining 35 fixtures.

Speaking on BBC Football Daily's The Football Interview, Trafford said he turned to his parents, partner and friends to talk through the frustration. He explained that regular appearances were important both to his wellbeing and to the career ambitions he wanted to pursue. His move to Leeds followed the World Cup, with BBC Sport reporting a deal worth up to £45 million, a record for a British goalkeeper.

Trafford nevertheless offered a positive assessment of what he learned during his final year at City. He started both the League Cup and FA Cup finals at Wembley as the club won those competitions. Although he recalled periods of disappointment and regret, he said the experience had helped him improve, and he valued having won two trophies in a single season.

The move to Elland Road has given him the sustained league involvement he sought. According to the BBC, Trafford has started all nine of Leeds' Premier League matches this season and kept three clean sheets. Leeds conceded eight goals in those games, with only Brighton, on seven, and Arsenal, on five, allowing fewer. Daniel Farke's side stood 12th before the weekend's fixtures, two points from the European places.

Trafford also discussed his ambition to become England's first-choice goalkeeper. He was part of Thomas Tuchel's squad at the 2026 World Cup without appearing, but said he understood his role and benefited from the experience. For now, his stated focus is continuing to improve at Leeds, where he spoke positively about the supporters and shared the club's aspiration to return to European competition.