Leeds United make £13m goalkeeper a priority after new developments, Roy Hodgson said he’s very good

Leeds United Step Up Goalkeeper Search Amid Disappointment in Midfield Pursuit

As July approaches and the summer transfer window intensifies, Leeds United find themselves ramping up efforts to reinforce key areas of their squad—most notably, the search for a new goalkeeper. This comes amid ongoing frustration in their pursuit of Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra, a central midfield target who now looks set to join Sunderland.

Diarra is on the verge of completing a sensational £30 million switch to newly-promoted Sunderland, a move that deals a significant blow to Leeds’ hopes of landing the Senegalese star. Reports indicate that the Yorkshire club submitted two formal bids for Diarra but were ultimately beaten to the punch. His imminent departure has left Leeds scrambling to recalibrate their midfield plans, even as the need for a reliable goalkeeper grows increasingly urgent.

Leeds Facing Goalkeeper Conundrum

While the midfield search continues, the goalkeeper situation is no less pressing. All three of Leeds’ current senior goalkeepers are under contract until 2026, but the writing appears to be on the wall—especially for Illan Meslier. The Frenchman, once hailed as a future top-tier shot-stopper, fell out of favour with manager Daniel Farke toward the end of last season and is now widely expected to leave Elland Road. Interest from clubs in Turkey and France has only strengthened the belief that Meslier’s time at Leeds is nearing an end.

Even if Meslier were to stay, there is a growing consensus that Leeds need to bring in a new number one. Farke’s decision to bench Meslier during the critical final stretch of last season highlighted a lack of trust, making it clear that a fresh start between the sticks is required. Numerous names have already been linked to the club, with previous targets such as Caoimhin Kelleher and Nick Pope now seemingly out of reach. Kelleher is set to join Brentford, while Pope appears content to remain at Newcastle United—even with speculation that the Magpies are chasing England U21 goalkeeper James Trafford.

Lucas Perri Emerges as Prime Target

With alternatives dwindling, Leeds have now turned their attention to Lyon’s Lucas Perri. The Brazilian goalkeeper has been identified as a top transfer target, with reports from French outlet L’Equipe suggesting Leeds are preparing a £12.8 million offer for the 27-year-old.

Perri, who joined Lyon from Botafogo in January 2024, has quickly established himself as a commanding presence in goal. However, Lyon’s shock relegation to Ligue 2—due to financial sanctions imposed by France’s football watchdog, the DNGC—means the club is now facing a firesale of key players. Leeds hope to capitalise on the situation and secure Perri’s signature before other suitors can act.

Standing in their way, however, is competition from newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side Neom FC. The ambitious club has already raided Lyon for striker Alexandre Lacazette and recently added ex-West Ham winger Saïd Benrahma to their ranks. Perri is believed to be tempted by the financial incentives of a move to Saudi Arabia, potentially complicating Leeds’ plans.

A Familiar Name to English Fans

Though Perri is relatively unknown to many in the English game, he does have previous experience on these shores. During the 2018–19 campaign, he was loaned to Crystal Palace while still in his early twenties. Although he never featured in a competitive match for the South London side, he made a lasting impression on then-manager Roy Hodgson.

“He’s been very, very good,” Hodgson told the South London Press at the time. “But the fact is it’s not going to be a moment where I would look past Wayne Hennessey and Julian Speroni to give him a game.”

Despite not breaking into the Palace first team, Perri’s development has accelerated since then. His performances during the 2024–25 season were particularly eye-catching. He kept 13 clean sheets in 45 appearances for Lyon and earned his first call-up to the senior Brazil national team—a remarkable turnaround from his early days in Europe.

The Road Ahead

With pre-season fast approaching, Leeds United must act swiftly. The club has already confirmed some new arrivals, but the positions of goalkeeper and central midfielder remain unresolved. Lucas Perri represents a compelling mix of potential, experience, and availability, especially given Lyon’s situation. Whether Leeds can fend off competition from Saudi Arabia and meet Lyon’s financial demands remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: if Leeds are to mount a serious promotion campaign and avoid another season of near-misses, securing a reliable presence in goal will be a vital step in the right direction.