Leeds United’s ‘top choice’ to replace Meslier named as hopes evaporate of signing 6ft 8 monster
Leeds United Intensify Goalkeeper Hunt as Lucas Perri Emerges as Top Target — Mourinho Could Unlock Plan B
Leeds United are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a new first-choice goalkeeper this summer, as manager Daniel Farke looks to fortify a squad aiming to survive — and thrive — on their return to the Premier League. Having already made encouraging early moves in the transfer market, the club is now zeroing in on what is arguably the most crucial position on the pitch: between the sticks.
Long-time No. 1 Illan Meslier increasingly appears to be heading for the exit door at Elland Road. After losing his starting role during the decisive stages of last season’s promotion campaign, there’s a growing belief among supporters and insiders alike that the Frenchman has played his final game for the Whites. With Meslier’s form having dipped significantly over the past two seasons, Farke and the club hierarchy are intent on finding a more commanding and consistent presence in goal.
According to Italian journalist Marco Giordano, Leeds have now identified Lucas Perri of Lyon as their preferred option to take over as the club’s new first-choice goalkeeper. The Brazilian has emerged as Farke’s top target, offering a combination of shot-stopping ability, physical presence, and modern distribution that aligns with the manager’s tactical vision.
Giordano revealed on X (formerly Twitter): “Leeds sets Lyon’s Lucas Perri as the top choice between the posts for the next season. The pursuit of Milinkovic-Savic fades, with Napoli able to negotiate with Torino.”
Leeds had previously shown strong interest in Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, the towering 6ft 8in Serbian international currently at Torino. However, with elite clubs such as Napoli and Manchester United also circling, the West Yorkshire club have now accepted that prising the 27-year-old away from Serie A will be difficult, if not impossible.
Lyon Rebuild Could Open the Door for Perri
Lyon’s tumultuous financial situation could yet offer Leeds a window of opportunity. Despite successfully appealing their shock demotion to Ligue 2 — initially imposed due to staggering debts reported to be in the region of €175m (£151m) — the French giants remain under serious pressure to reduce their wage bill and generate funds through player sales.
Now under the leadership of new club president Michele Kang, Lyon are expected to undergo a significant rebuild. While some high-profile exits seem inevitable, the club is not keen to let Perri go for cheap. The 26-year-old is under contract until 2028, and any potential buyer will need to meet a price tag that could climb to €15m (£12.9m) — a fee that would break Leeds’ record for a goalkeeper.
While Leeds may hesitate to meet that valuation outright, the club remains hopeful a deal can be reached — particularly if Lyon are forced to accelerate their clear-out later in the window.
Mourinho Could Influence Leeds’ Plan B
Should a deal for Perri fail to materialise, Leeds have lined up an intriguing alternative in Dominik Livakovic, the Croatian international currently on the books at Fenerbahce. Turkish reports suggest that new Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho has given the green light for Livakovic to depart this summer — and for a surprisingly modest fee of just €7m (£6m).
In an ironic twist, Fenerbahce are also rumoured to be eyeing up Illan Meslier as a potential replacement for Livakovic. A swap deal has not been formally proposed, but the possibility of such an arrangement could appeal to all parties — particularly if it accelerates negotiations and reduces the financial outlay for Leeds.
Livakovic, who starred for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup, would bring invaluable experience and composure to a Leeds side that is keen to avoid the fate of recent Premier League newcomers, many of whom have suffered immediate relegation.
Transfer Window Update: Stach Deal in Focus, Striker Search Slows
Beyond the goalkeeping conundrum, Leeds are continuing to reshape their squad with a number of other moves on the horizon.
In midfield, the club’s pursuit of Sean Longstaff appears to have hit a wall after Newcastle United rejected a third bid worth £10 million plus £2 million in bonuses. Despite reports suggesting the player had already agreed personal terms, the Magpies have opted to keep hold of their academy product — for now.
As a result, Leeds have shifted their focus to Anton Stach, a versatile German midfielder currently at Hoffenheim. With the Bundesliga outfit reportedly open to a sale in the region of €20m (£17.3m), Farke is hopeful a deal can be concluded swiftly as he looks to add more steel and creativity to the engine room.
Meanwhile, Leeds’ search for a new striker has also encountered complications. The club had made Rodrigo Muniz their top attacking target, but Tottenham Hotspur’s entry into the race seemingly prompted Fulham to raise their asking price — effectively cooling interest from both sides.
The Whites have also been linked with Lecce’s Nikola Krstovic, but fresh reports from Italy now indicate that the Montenegrin forward has reached a verbal agreement to join AS Roma, making a move to Elland Road unlikely.
Jack Harrison Nearing Leeds Exit
In terms of outgoings, winger Jack Harrison is widely expected to leave permanently this summer. The 27-year-old is due to return to pre-season training at Thorp Arch following the conclusion of his two-year loan stint at Everton, but all signs point to a cut-price permanent transfer, with a number of Premier League clubs monitoring his situation.
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What Next?
Leeds United are working quickly to ensure their return to the top flight doesn’t end in disappointment. With four smart signings already secured, a new goalkeeper is clearly next on the agenda — and whether it’s Lucas Perri or Dominik Livakovic, the next few weeks could prove decisive in determining how competitive Farke’s side will be when the 2025/26 Premier League season kicks off.
Stats Watch: Lucas Perri at Lyon (2024/25 season)
Appearances: 33
Clean Sheets: 12
Save Percentage: 75%
Long-pass Accuracy: 67%
Goals Conceded: 38
Perri’s profile suggests he would be a major upgrade for Leeds — but sealing the deal won’t be simple.