Report: Leeds United already looking to replace £13m summer signing

Leeds weigh goalkeeper rethink as survival fight sharpens focus

Leeds United’s short term priorities remain firmly anchored in the Premier League survival race, yet planning for the summer has already exposed a key area of concern. Credit to TeamTalk for detailing how the club are increasingly focused on the goalkeeping position, with the sense inside Elland Road that stability there could define the next phase of their return to the top flight.

The context matters. Leeds sit uncomfortably in the bottom half, only six points clear of the drop zone, with a daunting run still ahead. Progress under Daniel Farke has been evident in patches, but the margins remain thin, especially with rivals around them showing signs of life. Friday night’s meeting with Nottingham Forest carries weight, yet the bigger picture has prompted sober reflection.

Perri struggles prompt difficult reassessment

Lucas Perri’s situation sits at the heart of that reflection. Signed from Lyon for around €16m (£13.9m, $19m) last summer, he was expected to bring authority and technical assurance. Instead, he has struggled to convince. Sources describe Farke as “notably underwhelmed,” a judgement that has played out publicly through selection.

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Perri began the season as first choice but has since been replaced by Karl Darlow, whose experience has been favoured amid concerns about inconsistency and distribution. Farke has already hinted at unease in the department, and those close to the club acknowledge that Perri faces a fight to salvage his Leeds career.

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That reality underlines why the club view goalkeeper as a priority should survival be secured.

Trafford interest reflects long term ambition

Among the options being tracked is England prospect James Trafford. The 23 year old returned to Manchester City from Burnley last summer but has found opportunities limited, particularly following City’s decision to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma shortly after Trafford’s return.

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Leeds’ admiration dates back to Trafford’s influential spell at Burnley, where he was central to their promotion push. Internally, he is seen as offering reliability, presence and Premier League experience, qualities Leeds feel they currently lack in key moments.

Competition complicates summer plans

Any pursuit would be far from straightforward. Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the market, Aston Villa are assessing contingencies around Emiliano Martinez, and Newcastle United retain long standing interest. Leeds are realistic about the scale of that challenge, yet remain attentive to developments.

The ambition, however, is clear. Should Leeds preserve their Premier League status, the board have promised a meaningful rebuild designed to establish mid table stability. Resolving the goalkeeping question is central to that plan.

For now, survival comes first. But the issues between the posts hint at the decisive choices that await once the season’s immediate drama subsides.

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There was real optimism around Lucas Perri when he arrived, not least because spending nearly £14m on a goalkeeper felt like a statement of intent. The frustration is that it has not translated on the pitch. Confidence matters so much in that position, and once doubt creeps in, it spreads quickly through a team already fighting for its life.

Many fans will sympathise with Farke’s apparent lack of conviction. Darlow may not represent the long term answer, but his calm presence has felt reassuring in recent weeks. That alone tells its own story about where things stand.

The interest in James Trafford is exciting, even if it feels ambitious. Supporters remember his Burnley season and the authority he showed under pressure. The concern, of course, is competition. Leeds have been here before, lining up big targets only to watch richer clubs move faster.

Still, the broader point matters more. If Leeds want to break the cycle of promotion, panic, and rebuild, they have to get the spine right. Goalkeeper is part of that spine. Survival must come first, but fans will be watching closely to see whether this summer finally brings clarity rather than another gamble.