Manchester United came out on top against Leeds United on penalties in their pre-season meeting in Dublin this week, but the result has done little to distract from Leeds’ continued work in the transfer market.
James Trafford showed exactly why Leeds were prepared to break their transfer record for him, producing an impressive display against the Red Devils after arriving from Manchester City.
Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson have also made encouraging impressions during pre-season and look set to play important roles in Daniel Farke’s plans this season.
There is still plenty of business to be done, though. Leeds are expected to make a few more additions before the transfer window closes, while also working on several departures to trim the squad and free up space for further signings.
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Leeds United exit stalls after player changed his mind
The Whites are closing in on the signing of Nico Elvedi, who has agreed personal terms on a contract to move to Elland Road this summer.
He became a priority for Leeds after it emerged that Sebastiaan Bornauw is likely to depart the club and join Hamburg in the Bundesliga before the end of the window.
Bornauw won’t be the final departure from Leeds this summer as the club are still working on the exit of goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
The Brazilian was expected in Italy to undergo a medical with Torino, who have a broad agreement in place to sign him on loan with an option to buy.
However, that deal has stalled due to Marseille’s late attempt to hijack the move and sign Perri as their new goalkeeper this summer.
The French giants are in talks with Leeds for the Brazilian, and according to TeamTalk, a return to France is appealing to the goalkeeper.
Perri arrived from Lyon to join Leeds last summer, and he is now seriously considering a return to Ligue 1 with Marseille this summer.
Torino are still waiting, but Marseille may now have the edge in the race to sign the Leeds goalkeeper before the end of the window.
Leeds would want Lucas Perri to make a final decision soon
Lucas Perri and Torino have been waiting for weeks for James Trafford’s arrival to clear the way for their own deal.
Trafford’s move to Leeds effectively gave both sides the green light to complete negotiations for a loan deal involving the Brazilian goalkeeper.
However, Marseille’s entry into the race has complicated matters, and the Brazilian now has another major offer on his table this summer.
The longer the goalkeeper takes to make up his mind, the longer Leeds’ plans are held up. The Whites need to bring in a back-up for Trafford, and this latest twist has only delayed that process further.
Give Perri a closure time, or he stays, Leeds cant get a replacement until he’s gone?
I’d be telling Perri that Marseille is a no go as they’ve got no money.. Unless they want to knock a substantial amount off they’re asking price for Paixao 🤷🏻‍♂️
That is the solution. A swap – Perri plus some cash for Paixao. Gets him off the books so we can get a replacement. Also better for the SCR as they can say ÂŁ15m was for Perri making a profit on him, which reduces the price of Paixao, which means more profit when it comes to moving him on.
Agree with you especially if they are buying him. A loan is not beneficial to Leeds we need the cash for other recruits.