Leeds United are facing a major goalkeeping crisis this summer after Karl Darlow decided against signing a new contract at Elland Road.
The Welshman is closing in on an agreement to join Manchester United on a free transfer after becoming a free agent when his Leeds United contract expired last month.
Leeds were counting on holding on to Darlow, who finished the season as the club’s number one goalkeeper last season, and the move has come as a major blow for the Whites.
They are now definitely in the market for a goalkeeper. However, there is now fresh speculation over the future of another goalkeeper, Lucas Perri, at Old Trafford.
Lucas Perri is wanted in Italy
The Brazilian joined Leeds last summer with the expectation of being the undisputed number 1 goalkeeper at Elland Road. However, things didn’t pan out as planned.
Perri’s inconsistencies frustrated Daniel Farke, and the Leeds boss replaced him in the team with Darlow midway through the campaign.
Leeds have been open to offers for the goalkeeper, but that was the case when it seemed Darlow would sign a new deal at Elland Road.
However, the Brazilian has attracted interest, and according to Sky Sports News reporter Zinny Boswell, Torino have shown a willingness to sign him.
The Italian club have identified Perri as a potential target, and are keen to sign him on a season-long loan deal this summer.
Leeds have been unsure about Perri after last season. However, he is now the only senior goalkeeper left in the squad apart from third-choice Alex Cairns.
The Leeds manager was not overly impressed by the Brazilian, and he ended the season as the club’s cup goalkeeper behind Darlow.
Leeds can’t afford to lose Perri
At the end of last season, Leeds United were confident Karl Darlow would sign a new contract and remain at Elland Road.
Even after Manchester United entered the picture, there was a belief that the Welshman would prioritise regular first-team football over a backup role at Old Trafford.
That confidence has now disappeared. With Darlow on the verge of joining Manchester United, Leeds suddenly have a major problem to solve in the goalkeeping department.
Lucas Perri has yet to show enough to convince the club he is the long-term answer between the posts, but Darlow’s expected departure changes the equation. Alongside Alex Cairns, Perri is now the only experienced goalkeeper in the senior squad.
That means Leeds are no longer in a position where they can simply let the Brazilian go. Unless they are prepared to recruit two goalkeepers this summer, Perri is likely to remain at Elland Road, even if the club are still looking to bring in a new first-choice keeper.
