Just one year on from his arrival, Lucas Perri is heading for the exit door at Leeds United. The Brazilian failed to solve Daniel Farke‘s goalkeeper problem and has been ditched in ruthless fashion.
Following Ilan Meslier’s move to Arsenal and Karl Darlow’s controversial move to Manchester United, it’s left the Whites in dire need of reinforcements between the sticks. This time, they desperately need to get things right, as they look to finally end a growing problem in that department.
|
25/26 Premier League stats per 90 |
Karl Darlow |
Lucas Perri |
|---|---|---|
|
Games |
22 |
16 |
|
Saves |
2.86 |
2.38 |
|
Clean sheets (total) |
5 |
3 |
|
Save percentage |
70% |
56.7% |
|
Errors leading to goal |
0 |
0 |
Last season’s numbers are damning for Perri. With a save percentage of just 56.7%, it’s no surprise that Darlow took his place even at 35 years old.
The Brazilian ranked outside the top 20 goalkeepers on save percentage, whilst Darlow sat sixth. Leeds simply have to move him on and welcome a replacement and they look set to do exactly that in the coming weeks.
Lucas Perri closing in on Leeds exit
According to Tuttomercatoweb, as relayed by Sport Witness, Torino have reached an agreement to sign Perri on loan from Leeds with the option to buy. The goalkeeper has also reached an agreement over personal terms and a deal is now awaiting just one final step.
That one final step is actually at Leeds’ end. They’re not willing to let their goalkeeper leave until they finalise their move for James Trafford. To that end, the Whites have advanced talks to sign the Manchester City goalkeeper and are expected to seal his signature ahead of Newcastle United.
It’s a fantastic move from those at Elland Road. Trafford is a player with Champions League quality, but looks set to join Leeds and finally solve their goalkeeper crisis.
Trafford will be Leeds’ signing of the summer
Going from Perri and Darlow to Trafford is some move. The England international was deemed good enough to become Man City’s No1 before Gianluigi Donnarumma spoiled those plans last summer. He is the perfect example of a modern-day goalkeeper and that does not come at a cost in the shot-stopping department.
“He needed to engage in that. He needed to take a breath and take stock and decide where he wanted to be, and to be fair to him, I’ve seen someone mature. There’s no denying that he’s a world-class keeper.” – Ex-Burnley boss Scott Parker on Trafford
The deal is not done quite yet, but all signs are pointing towards Yorkshire for Trafford, who will be desperate to finally gain a starting place again.
