28-Year-Old Leeds United Player Close To Leaving In A Day Or Two: Do They Need A Replacement For Him? | OneFootball

Leeds United appear ready to part ways with Lucas Perri after a fresh update emerged from Italy. According to respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, with the report relayed by Transfer Feed, Torino expect to wrap up the agreement either today or tomorrow as negotiations enter their final phase.

Lucas Perri is close to leaving Leeds United for Torino

Everything points in one direction. Perri has already accepted personal terms with the Serie A side, who urgently need an experienced goalkeeper after Franco Israel suffered a serious injury. Leeds United have adjusted their position during talks as well. Instead of insisting on a permanent transfer, they are now willing to sanction a season-long loan that includes an option to buy worth up to £11.9 million. That change didn’t happen by accident.

Leeds United recently completed a club-record deal worth more than £40 million to sign James Trafford from Manchester City, making it increasingly difficult for Perri to reclaim a regular place under Daniel Farke.

The Brazilian arrived with a strong reputation. He had represented Brazil at youth level and earned senior national team call-ups, while his impressive physical presence at 1.97 metres suggested he could handle Premier League football. Reality proved tougher.

During the 2025/26 Premier League season, Perri made 16 appearances, kept three clean sheets, conceded 29 goals and played 1,440 league minutes before losing his place in the starting line-up. Yet supporters still remember one outstanding night in the FA Cup, where he saved two penalties against West Ham and helped Leeds reach the semi-finals.

T4O take: Why Leeds United should commit fully to James Trafford

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Lucas Perri of Leeds United saves a penalty from Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United in the penalty shoot out during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between West Ham United and Leeds United on April 05, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Perri’s likely departure actually clears up an awkward situation inside the squad. After losing his place midway through last season, it became difficult to imagine him accepting another campaign as a reserve goalkeeper. Players with international ambitions want regular football, and Perri falls firmly into that category.

Trafford arrives carrying completely different expectations. Leeds United didn’t invest more than £40 million simply to rotate goalkeepers every few weeks. He needs complete trust from the coaching staff, consistent minutes and the freedom to settle without constant pressure from another keeper expecting to start. Financially, the deal works too.

If Torino activate the £11.9 million purchase option next summer, Leeds United recover a sizeable part of their earlier investment while reducing the wage bill. That creates room for spending where the squad genuinely needs strengthening instead of keeping an unhappy backup.

Leeds United still need another experienced goalkeeper

One problem remains. Karl Darlow has gone. Illan Meslier has moved on as well. That leaves Alex Cairns as the only senior cover behind Trafford, hardly an ideal position for a Premier League campaign packed with league and cup fixtures. Leeds don’t need another expensive signing between the posts. They need reliability.

An experienced goalkeeper willing to accept a supporting role would solve the issue without damaging Trafford’s status. Someone with Premier League or Championship experience could offer guidance inside the dressing room, step in during cup matches and provide dependable cover if injuries strike.

Looking elsewhere should remain the priority for major spending. Daniel Farke still requires stronger competition at left-back behind Gabriel Gudmundsson, while another attacking option would add far greater value than committing significant funds to a second-choice goalkeeper.

This feels like smart squad management rather than a disappointing exit. Perri never looked completely comfortable with the speed and physical demands of English football, despite producing flashes of real quality. Holding onto a goalkeeper who wants regular starts serves little purpose after Trafford’s arrival.

Backing Trafford as the undisputed number one gives Leeds United a clear direction. Then the recruitment team can focus on finding an experienced, affordable deputy instead of chasing another high-profile signing. That approach keeps the goalkeeping department balanced and leaves more resources available for positions capable of adding points across a long Premier League season.