NafisaLeeds United’s long-running pursuit of James Trafford has finally reached the finish line, and it is already triggering another important transfer away from Elland Road.
The Whites have spent weeks working to complete a club-record move for the Manchester City goalkeeper, with Daniel Farke identifying the England international as his undisputed No.1 target ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Now, after Trafford completed his medical and the final paperwork entered its closing stages, Leeds are finally in a position to push ahead with another deal that had been waiting in the background.
According to Alfredo Pedullà, citing English journalist Ben Jacobs, Trafford has successfully completed his medical ahead of his blockbuster switch from Manchester City to Leeds United.
That breakthrough has immediately cleared the path for Lucas Perri to leave the club.
Torino have been pursuing the Brazilian goalkeeper for several weeks but were forced to wait while Leeds finalised Trafford’s arrival, with the Whites unwilling to sanction Perri’s exit until a replacement had been secured.
With Trafford now effectively through the door, Torino have received the green light to move forward.
Perri, who joined Leeds from Lyon last summer, endured a frustrating first season at Elland Road after struggling to establish himself as Daniel Farke’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The 27-year-old is now expected to begin a fresh chapter in Serie A, where Torino see him as their new long-term No.1.
Reports suggest the transfer is expected to be structured as an initial loan deal containing an option to buy, allowing Torino to complete the move while Leeds reshape their goalkeeping department.
Trafford’s arrival represents one of the biggest statements of intent made by the 49ers since returning Leeds to the Premier League, while Perri’s departure is another piece of business designed to streamline Farke’s squad before the transfer window closes.
With one major arrival all but completed and another exit now imminent, Leeds’ summer rebuild continues to gather momentum as attention turns towards strengthening the attacking areas before the new season gets fully underway.
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