Leeds United have reached a “complete agreement” with Lyon for the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri, according to two reliable sources. At the same time, the club has rejected a new offer from Real Betis for the disgruntled striker Mateo Joseph.
Leeds secures signing number 7
Leeds have gradually built up a solid squad that will fight to stay in the Premier League next season, despite winning the Championship by a whopping 100 points – a club record. With six new signings already in place, the club is far from done with the strengthening, and now they are in the process of securing their seventh new player in Perri.
Read: Reporter Alexander Isak is done at Newcastle
After Illan Meslier was dumped by Daniel Farke at the end of last season, Leeds have been looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper. They lost Caoimhin Kelleher to Brentford and Djordje Petrovic to Bournemouth, and when Newcastle refused to sell Nick Pope without having a replacement ready, Leeds turned their attention to Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
Now, both Fabrice Hawkins and Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that a “full agreement” has been reached on the transfer for the 196cm tall Brazilian, who has been given permission to complete his move to Elland Road.
Hawkins wrote on social media
: “Exclusive: Full agreement between Lyon and Leeds about Lucas Perri. The goalkeeper leaves the trip in Germany and flies to England. After a medical test, Perri will sign the contract with Leeds.”
Romano added
: “Leeds United have reached an agreement in principle with Lyon about goalkeeper Lucas Perri. Medical tests are booked, and formal steps follow, as Fabrice Hawkins reported. The agreement is in place.”
Impressive statistics
Sources have previously indicated that Lyon wanted up to £20 million (£230 million) for Perri, but Leeds have worked to push the price down. Regardless, the Brazilian national team keeper (U23) looks set to be Meslier’s successor, with an impressive save percentage of 74.7% last year – meaning he saved almost three out of four shots on target.
Read: The 50 most expensive transfers in football history
Leeds reject new bid for Joseph
With Perri coming in, Leeds can now turn their focus to the attacking line, where they want a new winger and a new striker. The club still has a strong interest in Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, but the London club will only sell if they find a replacement and demand a high sum.
Leeds are also still in the race for Feyenoord’s explosive winger Igor Paixao, after negotiations with Marseille have stalled.
At the same time, Leeds could need two new strikers this summer, as Mateo Joseph has asked to leave the club. According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Leeds have rejected a new offer from Real Betis, because the offer did not meet their valuation.
“Leeds United have rejected Real Betis’ bid for Mateo Joseph, as it was nowhere near their assessment. The Premier League club wants either a loan deal with no purchase option or a permanent transfer worth €15-20 million. Joseph is pushing for a transfer, but Betis refuses to meet the price.”
Farke disappointed with Joseph’s attitude
Daniel Farke has expressed disappointment with Joseph’s decision not to attend the club’s pre-season camp in Germany.
After a 4-1 win in the friendly against SC Verl, Farke said
: “The plan was to have him here. We value him highly – that’s why we played him despite having Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford. But he asked for a new challenge and wants to go, preferably to Spain because of his roots. That was his decision.”
Farke added
: “We have invested a lot in him – time, money and trust. He has a long contract, and no club has met our demands. We expected him to train and travel with us, but he didn’t feel mentally ready. What should I do? I can’t force him.”
Other Leeds News
- Leeds have been told that the possibility of signing Manor Solomon from Tottenham could be relevant later in the transfer window.
- A £50m striker has been told of Leeds’ interest and is open to a transfer.
- The club is also considering a Chelsea striker, who has fallen on the ladder following the club’s signings of Liam Delap and João Pedro.
With Perri on his way in and several potential signings in the pipeline, Leeds are preparing for an exciting end to the transfer window.
