Leeds United Set to Sign James Trafford as Lucas Perri Heads to Torino
Leeds United are quietly rearranging the furniture in their goalkeeping department, and the picture is starting to sharpen. One out, one in. Lucas Perri to Italy, James Trafford to Elland Road – that is the plan, and it is close.
TalkSPORT reported on Thursday that Leeds are closing in on Manchester City goalkeeper Trafford, and the move now looks increasingly inevitable as Torino push to take Perri to Serie A. The Brazilian has emerged as Torino’s first-choice target and, according to Fabrizio Romano, only a few details are left before that deal can be signed off.
Perri’s path has been a winding one. A 12‑month spell at Lyon, then on to Leeds, and now a switch to Italy on the horizon. He is understood to be keen on the move, and Torino’s initial proposal – a loan with an option to buy – has already tested Leeds’ resolve. Leeds, though, are thought to be holding out for around £8.5 million for the 28‑year‑old. Cash, not just a promise.
Once that fee lands, the dominoes should fall quickly. Perri’s exit is expected to accelerate Trafford’s arrival, with the England international eager to become Daniel Farke’s new No.1.
Trafford’s situation at Manchester City has been stuck in neutral. He earned a return to the Etihad last summer but ran straight into the immovable presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma. First‑team minutes have been scarce, and at 23, watching from the bench is no longer a viable long‑term option.
Leeds can offer what City cannot: a starting shirt and a central role in a rebuilding project.
Newcastle know all about Trafford’s potential. He came close to joining the Magpies 12 months ago and their interest flickered again this summer, but no bid has arrived at City’s door. That hesitation has left a clear lane for Leeds, who have moved decisively to put Trafford at the heart of their plans.
Farke has admired the former Burnley keeper for some time and intends to make him first choice between the posts next season. For a club intent on stabilising in the Premier League, it is a statement move – young, English, with upside and resale value, but ready to play now.
Farke reshapes his squad
The goalkeeping reshuffle is only one strand of a busy summer at Elland Road.
Farke has already brought in Bosnian centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, adding height and aggression to the back line, while Harry Wilson has arrived on a free after leaving Fulham, offering creativity and set‑piece threat in the final third. Two smart, targeted additions rather than a scattergun spree.
It fits the manager’s broader approach. Last season, Farke steered Leeds to 15th in the Premier League, clear of the relegation chaos that threatened to drag them under. A strong run of late‑season form pushed them nine points clear of the bottom three and turned anxiety into something closer to cautious optimism.
Now comes the test of whether that momentum can be banked and built upon.
Leeds open their 2026/27 campaign away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, 22 August. Brentford, Brighton and Newcastle follow – a run that will expose any early cracks but also offers a chance to put points on the board before the schedule hardens.
If Perri completes his switch to Torino and Trafford walks through the door as expected, Farke will start that run with a goalkeeper he trusts, a defensive unit reshaped, and a squad that looks a little more like his own.
The pieces are moving. The question is whether this summer’s quiet decisiveness turns Leeds from survivors into something more ambitious.
