Leeds United Pursue James Trafford as Lucas Perri Heads to Torino
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 him are now falling into place. Perri is in talks over a move to Torino, a deal that would open the door for Trafford to finally take centre stage at Elland Road.
Perri to Italy, Trafford to Elland Road
Perri’s time in England has always felt like a stop on a longer journey. After a 12‑month spell at Lyon, he arrived at Leeds with promise but without the guarantee of a long-term role. Now, with a Serie A club making him their priority, that next step is close.
Torino have identified the Brazilian as their first-choice goalkeeping target for the summer and, according to Fabrizio Romano, only a few details remain before the transfer is completed. The Italian side initially pushed for a loan with an option to buy for the 28-year-old. Leeds, though, want a permanent sale and are understood to be holding out for around £8.5 million.
Perri is keen on the move. Italy appeals, Torino are confident, and Leeds know that his departure will do more than tidy up the squad list. It will accelerate the move they really want.
Because once Perri goes, Trafford can come in.
The 23-year-old has found his path at Manchester City blocked since Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival. A return to the Etihad last summer promised opportunity; instead, it brought more time on the fringes. First-team football has been scarce, and his next decision needs to be about minutes, not medals.
Leeds are ready to offer exactly that.
Daniel Farke has long admired Trafford, who impressed during his spell at Burnley. The Leeds manager sees him not as competition, but as the man to take the No.1 shirt and keep it. If the deal is completed as expected, Trafford will arrive as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper for next season.
Newcastle interest fades as Leeds move decisively
Trafford’s name has not been short of suitors. Newcastle United came close to signing him 12 months ago, only for that move to fall away late in the window. Their interest flickered back to life this summer, but crucially, no formal offer has been made.
Leeds have stepped into that gap with intent. While others have watched, they have negotiated. While Newcastle have monitored, Farke’s side have moved towards an agreement that suits player and club.
The England international is understood to be keen on the switch to Elland Road. A clear route to the starting XI, a manager who has pushed for his signing, and a club that wants to build around him rather than park him on the bench – the fit is obvious.
If Perri’s exit is the trigger, Trafford’s arrival feels like only a matter of timing.
Farke reshapes his squad
This is not a quiet summer in West Yorkshire. Farke is not standing still after steering Leeds to 15th place last season and away from what threatened to become a grim relegation fight.
Leeds finished nine points clear of the bottom three, their late-season form dragging them into calmer waters. That recovery has given Farke a platform. Now he is trying to build something sturdier on it.
Two signings are already through the door. Bosnian centre-back Tarik Muharemovic has arrived to bolster the defence, while Harry Wilson has joined on a free transfer after leaving Fulham, adding creativity and experience in the final third.
Trafford, if and when he signs, would be more than just another addition. He would be a statement about the spine of this team and the kind of football Farke wants to play: brave from the back, structured, and with a goalkeeper trusted to grow with the project.
A demanding start on the horizon
All of this work is set against a fixture list that offers little room for hesitation. Leeds open their 2026/27 Premier League campaign away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 22, a trip that will test their resolve from the first whistle.
Then comes a run that will quickly reveal how far Farke’s rebuild has progressed. Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle follow, three sides with clear identities and ambitions of their own.
Leeds will expect to take points from those games. They will need to. And if Trafford is standing in goal by then, wearing Leeds colours and finally with a Premier League season in front of him, the question will be simple: is this the moment he steps up and makes the position his own?
