Romain Perraud revealed that he was close to joining Leeds United in 2021, but the deal failed to go through.
The Frenchman was on Leeds United’s radar after an impressive season at Stade Brest in Ligue 1, which saw him attract interest from a host of English clubs. Perraud eventually joined the Saints for a reported €12.00M. The Southampton fullback was speaking to french outlet So Foot, on the transfer deal, and life in the Premier League:
“In January or February 2021, I was approached by Leeds and Southampton.
“From then on, I let my agents take care of it. For my part, I try to focus on what I have to do with Brest. My first mission was to leave Stade Brest in Ligue 1.”
Perraud then added that Leeds, under Bielsa, made initial enquiries before Southampton. He also added that the Saints’ project, as well as a detailed scouting report, swung the decision for him:
“The club seemed to me to be structured, rather healthy, and the philosophy of play corresponded to me,” Perraud said.
“Then the club’s scout told me that he had seen me play 52 times, which gave me confidence.”
Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta highlighted left back as an area the club is looking to improve in January. Junior Firpo is still struggling with injury and fitness issues which has led to Pascal Struijk deputizing for the Colombian.
