Leeds United have made encouraging progress in their pursuit of several key summer targets while the first-team squad continue their pre-season preparations in the United States.
Daniel Farke’s players are focused on getting ready for the new Premier League campaign, but behind the scenes the 49ers remain busy as they look to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.
Much of the attention over the past week has centred on James Trafford, with Leeds making a significant breakthrough in their pursuit of the Manchester City goalkeeper. Multiple reports on Friday indicated that discussions are now progressing between all parties involved.
Trafford has already given his approval to the move, leaving Leeds to iron out the remaining details with Manchester City before the transfer can be completed.
However, Trafford may not be the only goalkeeper to arrive at Elland Road this summer. With Lucas Perri pushing for a move away from the club, Leeds are likely to enter the market for another shot-stopper to bolster their options.
Read More: Club owner slams James Trafford’s Leeds United release clause
Leeds United target completes medical ahead of transfer move
Leeds have been looking at several goalkeepers this summer as Karl Darlow’s departure drastically changed their plans for the goalkeeping position.
The Whites are in advanced negotiations to sign Trafford, who has given his approval to personal terms on a contract with the Whites.
However, Leeds will need one more goalkeeper given Perri’s insistence on wanting to join Torino in the ongoing summer transfer window.
And one of Leeds’ other goalkeeping targets is now on the verge of joining one of their Premier League rivals this summer.
The Whites have looked at 6ft 9 goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen as one of the options this summer, but he is now set to join Ipswich Town this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the goalkeeper has completed a medical ahead of finalising his move to Kenilworth Road in the coming hours.
Ipswich have agreed to pay a fee of ÂŁ8.5m plus another ÂŁ2.5m in add-ons to sign Scherpen from Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.
🚨🚜 Kjell Scherpen has completed his medical at Ipswich Town today ahead of €10m plus €3m add-ons move.
Brighton had 40% sell-on clause from USG as part of the deal. pic.twitter.com/uVDsh3pdoS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 27, 2026
Leeds United cannot sign only one goalkeeper; Kjell Scherpen would have been a solid number 2 to Trafford
Bringing James Trafford to Elland Road would be a significant coup for Leeds, with the England international expected to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for the foreseeable future.
His arrival, however, is unlikely to bring an end to Leeds’ business in the goalkeeping department. If Lucas Perri completes his expected move to Torino, Daniel Farke will still need another goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.
Karl Darlow’s departure had already left Leeds short of options, and Perri’s anticipated exit would make the need for two new goalkeepers this summer unavoidable.
While Trafford is expected to take over as the undisputed number one, Leeds also need a reliable deputy. Alex Cairns is seen as a solid third-choice option rather than someone who can challenge for regular minutes, meaning the Whites are still expected to recruit another senior goalkeeper to provide depth and competition across the season.
The headline is scurrilously misleading and the journalist should be thoroughly ashamed of this and the continuing speculation and conjecture that offers no perspective.
Never let the truth get in the way of a story…..good or bad