The dominoes are gradually falling into place for James Trafford to complete his move to Leeds United, and the biggest one of the lot involves Lucas Perri.
Those at Elland Road have been keen to move the shot-stopper on before completing a move for their own new No.1, and it looks as though he is now closing in on a departure.
It sums up just how disappointing his form has been since arriving in Yorkshire that Leeds are cutting ties so soon after. The Brazilian only arrived this time last year, but eventually lost his place to Karl Darlow in a poor debut season.
|
25/26 Premier League stats per 90 |
Karl Darlow |
Lucas Perri |
James Trafford |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Games |
22 |
16 |
4 |
|
Saves |
2.86 |
2.38 |
3.5 |
|
Clean sheets (total) |
5 |
3 |
1 |
|
Save percentage |
70% |
56.7% |
70% |
|
Errors leading to goal |
0 |
0 |
1 |
The numbers tell the story. Whilst Perri maintained a save percentage of just 56.7%, Trafford and Darlow both enjoyed an impressive 70%. There is a clear step up in quality.
As Leeds look to kick on and achieve more than just survival, solving their goalkeeper problems simply had to be a priority this summer and that’s why Perri is heading for the exit door in favour of Trafford.
Torino finalising move to sign Lucas Perri from Leeds
According to Italian journalist Daniele Longo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Torino director Gianluca Petrachi is now finalising a move to sign Perri. The Brazilian could even complete a medical in the next 24 hours if the Italian club reach an agreement with Leeds as expected.
The goalkeeper’s departure is expected to pave the way for Trafford’s arrival. The Whites have already reached a verbal agreement with Manchester City to sign the England international in a club-record deal worth £40m plus add ons.
In one move, Daniel Farke is set to welcome a player with Champions League quality and ditch a goalkeeper who failed to keep hold of his No.1 spot against 35-year-old Darlow last season.
The ball is now in Torino’s court. They were previously told that it would take £13m to sign Perri, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll match that asking price.
Leeds can finally replace Summerville by signing Brandt
Signing Trafford will be impressive, but adding Julian Brandt to that list would highlight just how far Leeds have come in the last 24 months. The former Borussia Dortmund attacker is currently a free agent and certainly on the Whites’ radar.
In terms of experience and quality, he would be an excellent addition. Whether Leeds can turn their interest into a completed deal remains to be seen, however.
On paper, Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic, Trafford and Brandt would represent an excellent window ahead of a second season back in the Premier League.
