Daniel Farke is known for having strong opinions on his likes and dislikes, and the Leeds United manager’s latest admission has explained why a certain star signing is on his way out of the club.
Leeds have done well this summer to bring in two key signings in Harry Wilson, on a free transfer, and defender Tarik Muhamerovic from Sassuolo for a deal worth up to £34m.
The Whites are also closing in on a club-record deal worth up to £45m to sign goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City, with an agreement expected to be finalised soon.
Leeds have also sold Pascal Struijk, Jack Harrison and Isaac Schmidt, and Farke’s strong words show why another player is on his way out of Elland Road.
Read More: ‘Formal enquiries’ made for Leeds ace as transfer deal draws closer
Daniel Farke’s admission explains Leeds star’s impending exit
Leeds’ push to sign James Trafford for a club-record deal shows why Farke is desperate to have quality between the sticks next season.
The Whites signed Lucas Perri last summer to be their number 1 goalkeeper. But midway through the campaign, veteran journeyman Karl Darlow replaced him between the sticks.
Farke openly criticised the goalkeeper following a defeat at Newcastle, which was his last Premier League game between the sticks.
The Leeds boss has stressed the importance of having a top-quality number 1 goalkeeper for a team to feel secure and safe at the back, and Perri never filled the defenders with confidence.
Farke’s honest take on the need for a strong number 1 goalkeeper explains why the manager refused to be more patient with the Brazilian.
“There are definitely a few very important positions in football”, Farke told Men In Blazers.
“You need a top striker, top centre-backs; it’s important to have someone in the middle of the park who is there with top quality.
“A strong No.1 goalkeeper is also in this role. Your core bones in a team have to be strong. You can take a few more risks on the winger position, but the No.1 goalkeeper is crucial because he saves you points.
Lucas Perri never convinced anyone at Leeds
The Brazilian was seen as the answer to Leeds’ goalkeeping woes when they signed him last summer and was expected to be their number 1 for years to come.
However, it did not take long for it to become apparent that parts of his game needed significant improvement if he was to be Leeds’ long-term solution between the posts.
But some costly mistakes that contributed to dropped points eventually saw him lose Farke’s trust, with Karl Darlow becoming the preferred option for the remainder of the season.
There were suggestions that Leeds could persist with him one more season and show more patience. But Farke’s need for a top-quality number one meant his fate at Elland Road was sealed.
Once Trafford joins, Perri will move to Torino on loan with an option to buy.
