NafisaLeeds United’s transfer window is beginning to gather serious momentum, but while supporters are eagerly waiting for new arrivals, the club’s hierarchy are equally focused on trimming Daniel Farke’s squad before the Premier League campaign gets underway.
The Whites have already shown they are prepared to make difficult decisions this summer. Several first-team players were left behind when the squad travelled to the United States for their pre-season tour, making it abundantly clear that they no longer feature in Farke’s long-term plans.
Max Wober has already completed his departure after joining Schalke, while Jack Harrison has finally sealed his permanent exit to MLS side New England Revolution following three years of uncertainty.
Now another departure is rapidly moving towards the finish line.
Behind the scenes, Leeds are edging ever closer to completing what could become the biggest transfer in the club’s history, with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford expected to arrive at Elland Road as the Whites’ new first-choice goalkeeper.
The England international has already indicated his desire to join Leeds, with personal terms broadly agreed, while negotiations between the two clubs continue over the final transfer fee.
His arrival will immediately trigger another major change inside Daniel Farke’s squad.
Lucas Perri is now on the verge of leaving Elland Road after agreeing personal terms with Serie A side Torino.
According to La Stampa, via TuttoMercatoWeb, Leeds and Torino are now putting the finishing touches on a loan agreement that includes an option to make the move permanent next summer.
While agent commissions have delayed the transfer, the report claims those issues are now being resolved, with the deal entering its final stages.
Torino are simply waiting for Leeds to complete Trafford’s arrival before receiving the final approval to proceed with Perri’s medical and official announcement.
It represents a dramatic turnaround for the Brazilian goalkeeper.
When Leeds signed Perri last summer, he was viewed as the long-term solution between the posts following the club’s return to the Premier League.
However, despite arriving with an excellent reputation after impressing in France, his performances failed to convince over the course of the campaign.
A series of inconsistent displays eventually saw him lose his starting place, with veteran Karl Darlow taking over as Leeds fought to secure Premier League survival.
By the second half of the season, Perri had largely been restricted to domestic cup appearances, and the coaching staff ultimately decided they required a more commanding presence if they were to establish themselves back in England’s top flight.
That search has led them to Trafford.
Daniel Farke has admired the former Burnley goalkeeper for some time and believes the 23-year-old possesses all the attributes required to become Leeds’ long-term No.1.
The club are prepared to invest heavily to secure his signature, knowing that landing one of England’s brightest young goalkeepers would represent a major statement of intent ahead of the new campaign.
Perri’s departure also makes financial sense.
Moving his wages off the books creates additional flexibility for Leeds as they continue strengthening the squad, while Torino’s option to buy could eventually help the Whites recover a significant portion of their investment if the Brazilian impresses in Serie A.
Unless there is an unexpected late twist, Perri’s exit now appears only a matter of time.
Once Leeds receive the final confirmation that Trafford’s transfer has been completed, the green light will be given for the Brazilian to travel, undergo his medical and officially begin the next chapter of his career in Italy.
Nafisa
