Leeds United's Goalkeeping Shuffle: Perri to Torino, Trafford Incoming

Leeds United’s goalkeeping reshuffle is gathering pace, and the picture is suddenly very clear. Lucas Perri is heading for the exit. James Trafford is moving into view.

TalkSPORT reported on Thursday that Leeds are closing in on the Manchester City goalkeeper, and the pieces around the deal are now falling into place. The key one is Perri.

The Brazilian, who only arrived at Elland Road after a 12‑month stint with Lyon, is in negotiations over a move to Torino, with the Serie A side making him their first-choice target for the summer window. Fabrizio Romano has indicated that only minor details remain before the transfer can be completed, and Perri is understood to be keen on the switch to Italy.

Torino initially tried to structure a loan with an option to buy for the 28‑year‑old. Leeds, though, have set their stall out: they want around £8.5million. That stance has not scared the Italians off, and confidence is growing that an agreement will be struck.

Once it is, the road is clear for Trafford.

The 23‑year‑old England international returned to Manchester City last summer but has been stuck behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, with first‑team minutes proving scarce. A move to Leeds now offers exactly what he has been missing: the No. 1 shirt and a Premier League stage.

Newcastle had pushed hard for him before. Trafford came close to a move to St James’ Park 12 months ago, and the Magpies’ interest resurfaced again this summer, but crucially they have not put an offer on the table. Leeds have, and Trafford is keen on Elland Road.

Daniel Farke has admired the former Burnley keeper for some time and plans to install him as first choice between the posts next season. With Perri’s departure accelerating the timeline, Leeds are closing in on the kind of decisive, long‑term solution every manager wants in goal.

Farke’s busy summer takes shape

This is not a one‑off move. It’s part of a broader, calculated rebuild.

Farke has already added two new faces to his squad. Bosnian centre‑back Tarik Muharemovic has signed, strengthening the heart of the defence, while Harry Wilson has arrived as a free agent after leaving Fulham, adding creativity and experience higher up the pitch.

These are not the signings of a club bracing for another relegation scrap. Last season, Farke dragged Leeds away from danger and into 15th place, nine points clear of the bottom three after a strong late surge. That run has given the club something they have not had for a while: a platform.

Now comes the test of whether they can build on it.

The 2026/27 Premier League campaign starts with a trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 22. Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle follow. It’s a demanding opening stretch, but one that offers opportunity if Leeds hit the ground running.

By then, Farke expects to have his new spine in place. Muharemovic at the back. Wilson between the lines. And, if everything falls as expected, Trafford standing tall behind them as Leeds’ new first-choice goalkeeper.

For a club that has spent too long looking over its shoulder, the question is no longer whether they can survive. It’s whether these calculated moves, starting with the shuffle from Perri to Trafford, can push Leeds into something more ambitious.