Exclusive:'My feeling' - Gary McAllister makes James Trafford prediction as Leeds United close in on Manchester City man
Leeds United legend Gary McAllister has issued a prediction regarding transfer target James Trafford
Leeds United legend Gary McAllister believes James Trafford would be capable of handling the pressure cooker environment at Elland Road.
The 23-year-old looks to be closing in a move to Elland Road from Manchester City, who are reportedly set to pocket £40m for the England international. If the proposed deal gets over the line, he would become the club’s record signing.
Trafford has been widely tipped to be the heir to Jordan Pickford’s throne between the England sticks but most pertinently, McAllister believes he could cope with the pressure that comes with being Leeds’ first-choice stopper.
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Gary McAllister makes James Trafford prediction
He told The Yorkshire Post via Lottoland football betting: “I always feel the core of the team is so key. Whatever you want to call success for Leeds this season, and my thinking would be jumping into the top half of the table, you need a good goalie.
“You need somebody who can win you a couple of games, and Trafford has definitely got that ability. And more importantly, I think Trafford can cope with that expectation level at Elland Road.
“He’s capable with his feet as well. He’s a quality ‘keeper. He’s been in and around big players for a long time now, but he needs to play.
“My feeling would be that he can cope with the expectations of the Leeds fans, because it’s a place filled with passion. I always use the analogy that if Leeds were playing Real Madrid tomorrow night at Elland Road, the Leeds fans would think they could win, which is a great thing to have.”
‘They need to make it happen’
£40m is a steep fee for most players - even in the current climate. McAllister, who starred in the Leeds midfield between 1990 and 1996 before managing the club post-retirement, believes it is a deal they need to make happen regardless.
He said: “£40m - as the seasons go past, the numbers keep jumping. It’s mesmerising at times. But that’s the going rate to get somebody of his quality. But the fact is, they’ve lost Darlow and Meslier has gone as well, so they need to make it happen.”