Leeds United have enjoyed a productive summer so far, but Daniel Farke and the club’s recruitment team know there is still plenty of work to be done before the new Premier League season begins.
The Whites started the window by signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer before making a major investment to bring Tarik Muharemovic to Elland Road from Sassuolo in a £34m deal.
They then completed the biggest signing of the summer, with James Trafford arriving from Manchester City in a club-record £45m transfer to become Leeds’ new first-choice goalkeeper.
Not every transfer target has ended up at Elland Road, however. Leeds were unable to land Julian Brandt after the Germany international chose to join Ajax instead.
As well as strengthening the squad, the Whites are also focused on reducing it, with several player departures expected as the club look to balance the books and create room for further additions.
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With James Trafford now through the door, Leeds United have addressed one of Daniel Farke’s biggest priorities.
The Leeds boss has repeatedly stressed the importance of having a top-class first-choice goalkeeper, and the club have backed him with the signing of the England international.
Trafford’s arrival was also expected to pave the way for Lucas Perri’s departure. Torino have been waiting in the wings to sign the Brazilian on a season-long loan with an option to make the move permanent.
A minor injury to the Brazilian threatened to delay the deal, but Torino are prepared to execute the agreement with Leeds and the player soon.
According to Italian outlet Torino Granata, the Serie A club expects the goalkeeper to arrive in Italy this weekend to complete a medical with the outfit.
Torino are now working to complete the remaining formalities and finalise Perri’s arrival in the coming days.
The Brazilian goalkeeper will be joining Torino on loan with an option to buy.
Lucas Perri looked shaky from the start
When Leeds United signed the Brazilian last summer, the expectation was that he would solve the club’s goalkeeping issues for the long term and establish himself as the undisputed number one.
But it did not take long for doubts to emerge. While his talent was evident, there were clear weaknesses in his game that needed addressing if he was going to succeed as Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper.
A string of costly errors that resulted in dropped points ultimately proved decisive. Daniel Farke gradually lost confidence in him and turned to Karl Darlow, who finished the season as the club’s preferred goalkeeper.
Some believed Leeds should stick with the Brazilian and give him more time to develop. However, with Farke determined to head into the Premier League with a proven, reliable number one, it soon became clear that the goalkeeper’s future lay away from Elland Road.
