It might have gone a bit under the radar to fans, but Leeds United spent a long time before signing a new keeper. After the back end of last season, Daniel Farke and the club decided Illan Meslier was no longer fit to be first choice.
The Whites had to cycle through a couple of options before landing on Lyon keeper Lucas Perri. The Brazilian is now the most expensive keeper that Leeds have signed in their top flight history. The recruitment team also acted fast to strengthen the backline and midfield, wrapping up the signings in the middle of pre-season.
But ultimately, at the end of the window, Leeds did not do enough to add to the attack.
QUIZ: Can you name the Leeds game these 10 goal celebrations are from?
Leeds United turned down chance to sign new Manchester United goalkeeper
There were other keepers in the running when Leeds were looking for a first choice option. Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone and Vanja Milinkovic-Savic were just some of the targets. According to the Daily Mail, the Whites were one of the English clubs that explored a deal for the Belgian keeper early in the transfer window. However, they backed off after hearing his price tag. Leeds were among the teams that felt like Lammens’ fee would be a huge risk as they did not know if he was mature enough to be a starter in the Premier League.
Manchester United eventually signed the 23-year old for a fee said to be up to £21.7 million.
Lucas Perri’s struggles to begin the season
Credit: Imago
Despite keeping two clean sheets in three Premier League games, Lucas Perri has had quite a shaky start to the season. Former Premier League star Gary Neville noticed that his distribution was off in the first few games of the campaign.
It was after the Newcastle game that Daniel Farke revealed that the Brazilian stopper was still dealing with a knock from pre-season:
“Lucas came with an injury. Two clean sheets always good. We know he can improve his kicking. We don’t want him acting like a 10 or additional outfield player, but room for improvement. Needs time with GK coach. Main thing is saving the ball. So far, so good.”
