NafisaLeeds United’s transfer window is beginning to gather serious momentum, but behind the scenes the biggest developments are unfolding away from the pitch.
Daniel Farke travelled to the United States with his squad for pre-season still knowing that several major pieces of business had to be completed before the Premier League campaign kicks off.
Supporters have been eagerly waiting for fresh breakthroughs, especially in the goalkeeping department, where Leeds have made no secret of their desire to recruit a new long-term No.1. While speculation has linked a number of names with Elland Road over recent weeks, events elsewhere now appear to have pushed one deal significantly closer.
The latest developments suggest the transfer dominoes are finally beginning to fall.
One outgoing move, in particular, now looks set to clear the path for Leeds to complete one of the biggest signings of the summer.
Lucas Perri appears to be edging towards the exit after attracting strong interest from Serie A.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Torino are advancing in negotiations to sign the Brazilian goalkeeper, with only a handful of details still needing to be resolved before an agreement can be finalised.
Perri is understood to be keen on returning to Italy after previously spending time in Serie A, while Torino have identified him as their preferred option between the posts.
Leeds are believed to favour a permanent sale rather than the initial loan proposal, with reports suggesting the Whites are looking to secure around £8.5million for the 28-year-old.
His departure would not only reduce the wage bill but also free up space for Daniel Farke’s long-planned goalkeeping overhaul.
And that’s where James Trafford enters the picture.
The Manchester City goalkeeper has emerged as Leeds’ priority target throughout the summer, with the Yorkshire club making steady progress behind the scenes.
Trafford is understood to be enthusiastic about the prospect of becoming Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper, while Newcastle United—previously linked with the England international—have not followed up their earlier interest this summer.
That has left Leeds in an increasingly strong position as negotiations continue.
Farke has admired Trafford for some time and views the 23-year-old as the ideal goalkeeper to lead the club into its next chapter in the Premier League.
Should the move be completed, Trafford would arrive with the expectation of immediately taking over as Leeds’ undisputed No.1.
The Whites have already strengthened other areas of the squad by signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer and completing the arrival of Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic.
However, internally, the goalkeeping position has remained one of the club’s biggest priorities.
The likely exit of Perri now removes one of the final obstacles to completing that rebuild.
If everything progresses as expected over the coming days, Leeds could soon complete another major piece of business before attention turns to strengthening other positions ahead of the new Premier League season.
For now, all signs point towards the transfer chain moving exactly as Leeds had hoped—one goalkeeper heading out, with another expected to arrive soon afterwards.
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