Leeds United have made a promising start to their summer recruitment, but Daniel Farke and the club’s hierarchy still have plenty of work to do before the new Premier League season gets underway.
The Whites began the window by signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer before making a significant investment to bring Tarik Muharemovic to Elland Road from Sassuolo in a £34m deal.
Another major addition is now close, with Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford expected to complete a club-record £45m move to West Yorkshire.
The transfer window has not been perfect, though. Leeds missed out on Julian Brandt after the Germany international opted to join Ajax instead of making the switch to Elland Road.
Alongside their recruitment drive, Leeds are also working on trimming the squad. Another departure is expected to be confirmed in the coming days as the club closes in on finalising a deal for one of their first-team players.
Read More: Major details emerge about Leeds star’s pending transfer exit
Leeds United transfer delayed as club await final steps
Leeds United are edging closer to completing the signing of Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford after the England international gave the green light to a move to Elland Road.
Negotiations between the two clubs have progressed well, with Leeds already agreeing personal terms with the 23-year-old and settling the broad framework of a deal with Manchester City. Trafford is keen to complete the transfer, and only the final details remain to be ironed out.
His arrival is expected to reshape Leeds’ goalkeeping department ahead of the new Premier League season.
Lucas Perri is closing in on an exit after agreeing personal terms with Torino, with the Brazilian set to continue his career in Serie A.
Torino have also reached an agreement with Leeds over a loan deal that includes an option to buy, leaving Perri’s departure likely to be finalised once Trafford’s move is completed.
However, according to Tutto Mercato, Torino are still waiting to finalise the deal that would see the Brazilian move to Italy this summer.
The Serie A outfit are yet to receive the final approval from Leeds, who do not want to take any chances in the market.
Trafford’s arrival is more or less confirmed, but Leeds are in no mood to sanction Perri’s exit until they have signed the 23-year-old goalkeeper officially.
The delay in Trafford’s confirmation means Torino are still waiting to finalise Perri’s signing.
James Trafford is not the replacement for Lucas Perri; Leeds still need one more goalkeeper
Landing James Trafford would represent a major coup for Leeds United, with the England international expected to establish himself as the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for years to come.
Even so, his arrival is unlikely to bring an end to Leeds’ business between the posts. With Lucas Perri closing in on a move to Torino, Daniel Farke will still need to recruit another experienced goalkeeper before the transfer window closes.
Strengthening the goalkeeping department had already become a priority following Karl Darlow’s departure, and Perri’s anticipated exit has only made the need for two new arrivals even more pressing.
While Trafford is set to take over as Leeds’ number one, the club are also keen to add a reliable deputy. Alex Cairns is viewed as a dependable third-choice option rather than someone who can provide genuine competition, so another senior goalkeeper is expected to arrive to strengthen the squad and provide quality cover throughout the season.
