Leeds United Prepare for Trafford's Arrival as Perri Moves to Torino

Leeds United are reshaping their goalkeeping department with a clarity of purpose that has been missing in recent years. One out, one in – and the stakes are high for both.

Lucas Perri is on the brink of a move to Italy, with Torino pushing to make the Brazilian their new No. 1. That departure is expected to open the door for James Trafford, the Manchester City goalkeeper who has long sat near the top of Daniel Farke’s wishlist.

Perri to Torino unlocks the door

Torino have made Perri their priority this summer. Negotiations with Leeds are advanced, and, according to Fabrizio Romano, only a few details remain before the deal is completed.

The Serie A side initially tried to structure a loan with an option to buy for the 28‑year‑old. Leeds, though, are understood to be holding out for around £8.5 million, a fee that would both reflect Perri’s value and help fund the next phase of Farke’s rebuild.

Perri, who had a 12‑month spell at Lyon before arriving at Elland Road, is keen on the move. Italy appeals. Torino believe he can anchor their back line; Leeds see his exit as the final piece needed to accelerate Trafford’s arrival.

Trafford waiting in the wings

Leeds are closing in on Trafford, as reported by talkSPORT, with the England international ready to leave Manchester City in search of regular football.

His return to the Etihad last summer has not gone to plan. The presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma has blocked his path, limiting his chances and turning this window into a pivotal moment for his career.

Leeds are offering what he wants: a clear route to the No. 1 shirt and a manager who has admired him for some time. Farke views the former Burnley keeper as his first-choice option for next season, a long-term solution rather than a stopgap.

Newcastle United had hovered in the background. Trafford came close to a move to St James’ Park a year ago and the Magpies’ interest resurfaced this summer, but crucially, no bid has arrived. Leeds have moved with more conviction, and that intent now looks set to be rewarded.

Farke’s quiet rebuild gathers pace

While the focus has fallen on the goalkeepers, Farke has been steadily reshaping his squad across the pitch.

Leeds have already secured Bosnian centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, adding height and aggression to the back line. Harry Wilson has also arrived as a free agent following his exit from Fulham, bringing Premier League experience and set-piece quality to the dressing room at no transfer fee.

These are not headline-chasing signings, but they fit a pattern. Farke is building a side with depth and balance, aiming to avoid the turbulence that dragged Leeds towards danger last season.

He steered the club to 15th place, nine points clear of the bottom three, thanks largely to a strong late run. It was enough to ease the tension but not enough to satisfy a fanbase that expects more than survival.

A new spine before a new season

The coming campaign offers a different challenge. With Trafford likely to anchor the defence and Perri set to test himself in Serie A, Leeds are close to locking in a new spine at a crucial moment in their cycle.

The fixture list wastes no time in testing them. Leeds open their 2026/27 Premier League season away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 22. Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle follow – a run that will quickly reveal whether Farke’s summer work has given his team a harder edge.

By then, Trafford is expected to be in goal, the man trusted to turn a solid finish into something more ambitious.

Leeds have cleared the path. Now they need their new No. 1 to justify the reshuffle and turn quiet optimism into something far louder.