Leeds United made their priority this summer the signing of James Trafford. The England keeper had been a serious target last summer, but he eventually chose a return to Manchester City.
Trafford had lead Burnley to the Premier League with an outstanding Championship campaign.
He helped the Clarets keep 30 clean sheets while conceding just 16 goals in 46 league games – shattering multiple long-standing records. However, his move to the Etihad was not fruitful.
City also signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, moving Trafford to the bench.
So when Leeds came calling this summer, the England star did not hesitate. The club smashed the English transfer record for their marquee target.
Leeds United deal under threat after worrying development
Lucas Perri. Credit: IMAGO
Trafford’s arrival meant that Lucas Perri had to leave the club in the summer window.
Torino showed concrete interest and pursued the Brazilian for most of the transfer window, eventually landing him. Perri joined the Serie A side on a season-long loan with a £12 million option to buy.
And with a few games into the new season, it has not been a promising start for the former Lyon keeper.
Lucas Perri has played four games so far, and has yet to keep a clean sheet for the Turin side. Torino have also conceded five goals in their last four games with the Brazilian in goal.
What makes things worse is how Perri has conceded some of these goals.
He has made errors in almost every start he has made this season. The keeper failed to deal with a shot which lead to Fiorentina scoring, and his poor pass led to Roma getting a goal last week.
Torino have done their best to help him, with coach Ignazio Abate protecting the keeper from criticism in the media.
The club have also prepared ‘special’ training sessions for him to get up to speed. It has been just four games, but Lucas Perri is under some serious pressure in Italy.
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Leeds should be worried
It is early days, but Torino are having to make a lot of effort just to get their summer signing on track.
If Perri continues to cause the club to concede goals that might lead to losses, then he could easily be benched in the middle of the season. Despite his flaws, he has shown flashes, which Ignazio Abate admires.
But Leeds should be very concerned over these developments.
Having to bring Perri back next summer will come at a financial cost to the club; they miss out on selling the Brazilian for £12 million. And after signing Michael Zetterer, there is no room for a backup keeper.
So for his own sake, Lucas Perri must make this transfer work out by performing.
