Daniel Farke Makes Ruthless Leeds United Call As Senior Star Set For Exit: Right Decision? | OneFootball

Pete O’Rourke understands that Leeds United are making moves to sign a new number one. They want someone in place well before the 2026/27 season kicks off. Daniel Farke knows this area needs a massive upgrade. It is a must-fix if the Whites want to stay in the Premier League for the long haul.

Goalkeeper Shake-up: Farke Demands Summer Solutions

The boss clearly has his doubts about Lucas Perri. Farke recently benched the Brazilian for Karl Darlow, but he doesn’t see the veteran as a permanent fix. So, Farke is leaning on the 35-year-old to hold down the fort until May. This gives the club enough time to find a proper replacement. On top of that, Illan Meslier is set to walk away for nothing this summer. His move to Besiktas fell through at the last minute in January, and he’ll leave Elland Road when his deal expires.

Analyzing The Elland Road Dilemma

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Lucas Perri of Leeds United up prior to the Premier League match between Sunderland and Leeds United at Stadium of Light on December 28, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

This mess puts the club’s scouts under a huge spotlight. Lucas Perri, the 28-year-old Brazilian, arrived with a big reputation. Instead, his shaky form has spooked a backline already fighting for its life.

Farke’s call to swap him for Karl Darlow shows just how serious the problem is. Darlow is a reliable veteran, but relying on a keeper at the end of his career is a band-aid, not a solution. Perri is a big presence, but he looks nervous coming for crosses, and his passing is poor. Keeping him in goal feels like a massive risk that Leeds can’t afford.

The summer window is the perfect time to fix this mistake. James Trafford looks like the best bet. The 23-year-old is currently stuck on the bench at Manchester City after returning from Burnley. He is exactly the kind of ball-playing keeper Leeds are missing right now. He won’t be cheap, especially since the club will lose money on Perri, but Trafford has the top-flight experience and the ceiling they need.

Meslier’s leaving also clears some room on the wage bill and allows for a total fresh start. Farke might want a keeper who can play out from the back, not one who gets in the way. The board has to back him and go get someone of Trafford’s quality. If they stick with Perri, the defensive jitters will just keep going. A bold move here could finally give Leeds the backbone they need to stop worrying about the drop and start looking up the table.