Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Fri 1 May 2026 15:37, UK

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Lucas Perri’s first season at Leeds United has been disastrous, and an immediate summer exit now looks inevitable.

The Brazilian arrived from Lyon last summer in a deal worth around £14million, but problems were immediately apparent.

The 28-year-old looked weak at set-pieces, with Arsenal taking full advantage by scoring two on matchday two, and his shot-stopping was in need of serious work as well.

After Perri had suffered an early injury, Karl Darlow returned to the starting line-up, and after a period back on the bench between November and January, he is Daniel Farke’s first choice once more.

Leeds transfer chiefs now look set to spring into action, after the German’s comments this week made his position very clear.

Daniel Farke paints cruel reality for Lucas Perri

Football Insider exclusively revealed in February that Leeds will sign a new goalkeeper this summer, with a new number one on the hitlist.

Illan Meslier will leave the club this summer on a free transfer after failing to make a single appearance throughout the entire season.

And one of Darlow and Perri will likely join him. On paper, it would seem logical that the Welshman will depart.

The 35-year-old’s contract also expires at the end of June, and he is reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Tottenham.

Farke’s usage of him may well see him extend his stay at Elland Road, however. Leeds do face the difficult task of moving Perri on if that happens, though.

The Brazilian has a contract until 2029, and the Whites will not take a massive loss on the £14m they spent on him just 10 months ago.

But, considering the season he has had and Farke’s comments this week, which have made his stance very clear, transfer chiefs do not find themselves with a strong negotiating position.

Speaking ahead of Leeds’ clash with Burnley on Friday, the German said: “I would just say how much I trust Karl, you could tell during the crunch time last season.

“He is right now in such a period where he is my number one goalkeeper and also keeps out a player like Lucas Perri, who is highly-rated and has impressed in the cup competitions with some decent performances.

“I think Karl has been fantastic in these last weeks. Since the first day I worked with him, not just his performance on the pitch but also how he is as a human being – I’ve got not just a high respect for Karl but I rate him so, so high.

“And Karl knows this, 100%. There is big trust between each other and you can perhaps read a little bit in between the lines if you want, but I will just speak about the future once things are confirmed.”

Leeds target new shot-stopper

Leeds have reportedly already begun work on bringing in a new number one ahead of this summer.

An £8.5m bid for Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk has already reportedly been lodged by the Premier League side, who are keen to get their key business done early.

The 27-year-old featured against Crystal Palace in the Conference League semi-final on Thursday and caught the eye, making a stunning double save to deny Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Phillipe Mateta in the second half.

Riznyk has just one year remaining on his contract and may well be chased by several other teams this summer.