James Trafford outlines Leeds United ambition after completing record-breaking Elland Road move

James Trafford has spoken of his excitement after completing his club-record move to Leeds United, insisting the Whites are a club on an upward trajectory and admitting he cannot wait to get started at Elland Road.

The England international has joined Daniel Farke's side from Manchester City in a deal worth £40 million plus add-ons, making him Leeds' most expensive signing and the most expensive British goalkeeper in history.

Following the announcement, Trafford was welcomed to Elland Road by former Leeds and England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn, who famously became Britain's record goalkeeper signing when he joined the club from Crystal Palace in 1996.

Nearly 30 years later, Martyn symbolically passed the baton to Leeds' new number one as Trafford officially began his journey in West Yorkshire.

Despite the record-breaking fee, the 23-year-old insisted he is focused solely on football rather than the expectation that comes with his price tag.

"I don't really care if I have a point to prove," Trafford told LUTV.

"I know my own abilities. I go out and try as hard as I can and have as much fun as I can. Everything that comes with it is what it is.

"I am really excited and just really happy that it is finally done. I can get onto preparing for the new season and can focus on getting in with everyone next week."

Trafford admitted Leeds' passionate support and the atmosphere surrounding the club were major attractions, believing they can play a huge role in helping the team continue its progress.

"It is one amazing club, full of energy and passion - the club and the fans," he said.

"That goes a really long way because of the energy of the team. The players and the fans contribute to results and performances and improving them. It is just a great place for anyone, let alone myself, to play."

The goalkeeper arrives having already experienced Elland Road from the opposition dugout during his time with Burnley and believes Leeds have developed significantly under Daniel Farke.

Having battled against the Whites during the Championship promotion race before watching their impressive Premier League campaign last season, Trafford believes the club is moving firmly in the right direction.

"I competed against Leeds very closely two seasons ago," he explained.

"Playing against them, they were obviously a very, very strong team. It is a very tough place to come and last season, I remember seeing them at the Etihad. From that second half onwards, they were incredible. The energy, the physicality, the directness was just fun to watch, and it is obviously very effective."

Rather than suggesting wholesale changes, Trafford believes Leeds simply need to continue following the path that has already brought success under Farke.

"To take Leeds to the next step, it is just to keep going on the track they have been going on since the manager came in.

"Obviously, close to getting promoted out of the Championship, lost in the final, then got promoted with 100 points, then stayed up and got better through the season. It shows that something is going well and they are sticking to a good process. You have just got to keep on that same trajectory."

Trafford also spoke about the club's long-term ambitions, insisting Leeds belong among the Premier League's established sides and backing the project being built at Elland Road.

"The league is a better place for Leeds being in it because of the way they want to play and who they are as a club, the history they have," he said.

"The club want to take it to where it has been historically and I think everyone here believes that is going to happen. They are clear in what they want and full belief it is going to happen.

"It is natural for the goal for the season to obviously be better than it was last season. That shows growth. It is just going to be a lot of fun."

Trafford also revealed he has already spoken to several of his new teammates, who have highlighted the togetherness within the squad.

"The energy that they have here, the physicality, the quality in this team, who knows what is going to happen? Anything can happen.

"A few of the lads I have spoken to already say the spirit is incredible. It is really, really good. When you have got that belief and that togetherness, it is going to take you a long way."

Leeds supporters will now hope Trafford can live up to the expectations that accompany his record-breaking arrival.

Still only 23, the goalkeeper arrives with Premier League experience, England caps and a reputation as one of the country's brightest talents.

If his ambitions align with those of his new club, Leeds will believe they have secured a goalkeeper capable of being the foundation of their next era under Daniel Farke.