NafisaLeeds United have completed one of the biggest deals of their summer transfer window after confirming the arrival of James Trafford from Manchester City.
The England international’s move to Elland Road represents a major statement of intent from the Whites hierarchy, with Daniel Farke now possessing a squad that is beginning to take shape ahead of another demanding Premier League campaign.
With the new season now just two weeks away, however, the work is far from finished.
Leeds are expected to remain active in the transfer market, with further additions being considered while the club also works on moving several players out of the squad.
The Whites have been linked with a number of potential targets in recent days, while there is also movement surrounding one of Farke’s existing goalkeepers.
Here is the latest transfer news and speculation from Elland Road.
Leeds United ‘an attractive proposition’ for Harvey Elliott
Harvey Elliott’s future at Liverpool remains increasingly uncertain after the midfielder returned from a frustrating loan spell at Aston Villa.
The 23-year-old struggled for regular minutes during his time at Villa Park, with the conditions attached to his loan reportedly making it difficult for the club to commit to a permanent move.
Elliott has now returned to Anfield, but his long-term future remains unresolved and several clubs are expected to monitor his situation.
Leeds have been mentioned as a possible destination, although they face competition from RB Leipzig, who are reportedly considered the favourites for his signature.
Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness believes Leeds could nevertheless become an attractive option for the England youth international as the Whites continue to establish themselves back in the Premier League.
Speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness said:
“Yeah, I think the bad blood is certainly enough to get him away from Liverpool, and I think, I’m afraid, [RB] Leipzig are the favourites from what I’ve heard.
“I think that’s where it will end up. There’s a possibility he’ll go to Leeds, but Leipzig are still the favourites, and I think if they can come to personal terms, that’s what would make it happen.
“Leeds is going to become an attractive option for a player like Harvey, but I think it might be good for him personally to get out of England.
“We’ve seen before that many players can do very well in Germany now, and the English players, more and more going out there, starting to realise that they’re really increasing their value.
“I think the Bundesliga would suit him in his style of play very well. I still rate him as a player, I’m amazed Liverpool did what they did, and I think they’re going to see him go on to be a very good asset for someone else.”
Leipzig may currently hold the advantage, but Leeds’ growing reputation and Premier League status could make them an increasingly appealing option if Elliott’s situation develops differently.
Farke is still looking to add more quality in attacking areas, particularly after Leeds missed out on some of their preferred targets earlier in the summer.
Elliott’s versatility could make him an interesting option, with the midfielder capable of operating centrally or from a wider position.
However, any move would depend on Liverpool’s valuation and Elliott’s own preference over his next destination.
‘Medical booked’
There is also significant movement in the opposite direction, with Lucas Perri reportedly closing in on his departure from Elland Road.
Trafford’s arrival has effectively changed the situation for the Brazilian goalkeeper, who is now free to pursue a move elsewhere after struggling to establish himself as Farke’s undisputed first choice.
Torino have been pursuing Perri and are now reportedly preparing to complete the next stage of the transfer.
According to Torino Granata, the goalkeeper has a medical booked with the Serie A club this weekend.
The proposed move is expected to initially be structured as a loan, with Torino holding an option to buy the 28-year-old at the end of the spell.
Perri only joined Leeds last summer but endured a difficult first campaign in English football, with competition for the No.1 position limiting his opportunities.
The arrival of Trafford has now made his position even more uncertain.
Rather than keeping two senior goalkeepers competing for the same role, Leeds appear ready to reshape their goalkeeping department around their new record signing.
Perri’s departure would therefore represent another important piece of business for the Whites as Farke continues to streamline his squad.
With Trafford now installed as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and Perri heading towards the exit, Leeds’ attention can turn towards strengthening other areas of the squad.
And with only two weeks remaining before the Premier League campaign begins, the coming days could prove particularly busy at Elland Road.
Nafisa
