Leeds United have decisions to make on certain players ahead of the summer transfer window, apart from their efforts to improve the squad with quality additions.
The club are aware that player sales are going to be necessary if they want to bring in the quality upgrades that could take the squad to the next level ahead of the summer.
Paraag Marathe has outlined that Leeds will have to adapt to the Premier League’s new Squad Cost Ratio rules and work accordingly in the market in the next window.
Leeds need to move on a few players to make space for upgrades in their squad as well as their wage bill, and the latest transfer development may have brought the curtains down on one of their signings from last summer.
Lucas Perri is almost certain to leave now
Leeds signed Lucas Perri from Lyon as the solution to their goalkeeping woes last summer, and he started the season as the club’s number one goalkeeper.
However, instability and some high-profile mistakes meant that the Brazilian was out of the starting eleven midway through the season, and Karl Darlow became the first-choice between the sticks.
Leeds are yet to extend Darlow’s contract, which expires at the end of next month, but it is unlikely to have any bearing on Perri’s future.
The club are interested in signing SC Braga’s Lukas Hornicek after an impressive season in Portugal, which means the club are likely to move Perri on.
The Brazilian has not done enough to suggest that he can be a Premier League number 1, and Leeds want more stability between the sticks next season.
Leeds’ interest in Hornicek and other goalkeepers suggests that the club are pushing to bring in a new goalkeeper who is good enough to be their number one.
Will the Brazilian agree to remain a number 2?
Perri has been the number 2 goalkeeper at Leeds since the end of December and has only featured in cup games.
Darlow has not been flawless, and the delay in offering him a new deal suggests that Leeds are not entirely sure about extending the veteran’s stay.
However, the Welsh goalkeeper appears more willing to accept a backup role behind a new signing than Lucas Perri. The Brazilian is expected to push for more regular playing time if he remains at the club.
Leeds may be happy to keep Perri if he agrees to remain a number 2 to a new goalkeeper. However, that seems to be a remote possibility at the moment.
Darlow is likely to sign a new contract, and Leeds are expected to bring in a new goalkeeper, which will pave the way for Perri’s departure.
Don’t leave it too late we have x3 gk and we still need a better one, lets get it right this time, how can Meslier still be there, over a year nobody wants him, get your finger out and get scouts to do there job! 🙈