Leeds United still have several key decisions to make ahead of the summer transfer window, alongside their plans to strengthen the squad with high-quality additions.
The club understand that player departures will be necessary if they are to finance the level of upgrades needed to push the team forward next season.
Chairman Paraag Marathe has already stressed that Leeds must operate carefully under the Premier League’s new Squad Cost Ratio regulations, meaning recruitment and sales will have to be balanced strategically this summer.
As a result, Leeds are expected to offload a number of players to create room in both the squad and wage structure — and the latest developments could signal the end for one of last summer’s arrivals.
Lucas Perri now appears likely to leave
Leeds signed Lucas Perri from Lyon last summer in an attempt to solve their long-standing goalkeeping issues, and the Brazilian initially began the campaign as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
However, inconsistent performances and several costly errors eventually saw him lose his place midway through the season, with Karl Darlow taking over as the preferred option between the posts.
Although Leeds have yet to extend Darlow’s contract — which expires at the end of next month — it is not expected to significantly impact Perri’s future at Elland Road.
The Whites are currently interested in SC Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek following his impressive campaign in Portugal, a move that strongly suggests Leeds are preparing to bring in a new number one.
Perri has ultimately failed to convince that he can be relied upon as a long-term Premier League starter, and Leeds are believed to be prioritising greater consistency and stability in goal ahead of next season.
Their pursuit of Hornicek, along with interest in several other goalkeepers, indicates that the club are determined to recruit a stronger first-choice option this summer.
Would Perri accept a backup role?
Since losing his starting spot in December, Perri has largely been limited to cup appearances while Darlow remained first choice.
Despite Darlow not being completely error-free himself, the veteran goalkeeper is thought to be more open to accepting a secondary role behind a new signing than Perri.
The Brazilian is expected to seek regular first-team football if he stays at Leeds, making it increasingly difficult to see him settling for a backup position.
Leeds would likely be willing to keep Perri as part of the squad if he accepted a number two role, but at this stage, that scenario appears highly unlikely.
With Darlow expected to sign a new deal and Leeds actively pursuing another goalkeeper, the path now seems to be opening for Perri’s departure this summer.
