‘Deal Agreed’ – Leeds United set to sign £15m Ligue 1 star | OneFootball

Leeds United Secure Lucas Perri in £15.6m Goalkeeping Move

Perri set to take number one role

Leeds United have completed an agreement with Lyon to sign goalkeeper Lucas Perri for a reported £15.6 million, according to the Daily Mail. The 27-year-old Brazilian is expected to take over as first-choice keeper ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League.

Photo IMAGO

Perri is due to undergo his medical in Germany, where Leeds are currently holding their pre-season training camp. If all goes smoothly, he could feature in their next friendly on Saturday. This move signals a clear intent from the club, who have now made seven signings during the summer window.

Shifting priorities in goal

With Illan Meslier slipping down the pecking order last season, the need for a reliable presence between the posts had grown urgent. Perri appears to have been identified as that solution. Last season at Lyon, he kept 13 clean sheets in 45 appearances across all competitions, offering consistency and shot-stopping authority.

Photo by IMAGO

Known for his remarkable 50-metre throw that went viral last year, Perri brings a combination of athleticism and distribution that could be key to Daniel Farke’s tactical setup. Leeds are not simply preparing for survival, they are looking for quality in depth.

Career built on resilience

Perri’s journey has been one of slow ascent. A product of Sao Paulo, he endured a loan spell at Crystal Palace without making a senior appearance before rebuilding at Nautico and Botafogo. His move to Lyon in January 2024 for £3.25 million marked the next chapter, and now, he arrives in England with something to prove.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For too long, the goalkeeping position has lacked the kind of certainty required to compete at the highest level. Now, with Lucas Perri arriving from Lyon, there’s cause for genuine excitement amongst the Leeds faithful.

There is always some risk in placing trust in a player who has yet to play in English football, but the club’s recruitment has been measured this summer. Perri’s clean sheet record in Ligue 1, coupled with his standout reflexes and distribution range, suggest he could be a perfect fit for the high-intensity game Leeds fans have come to expect.

What stands out most is that Leeds have acted early and decisively. No deadline-day scramble, no settling for stopgaps. This feels like part of a real plan. With Perri in goal, and further strengthening likely, the squad looks better balanced and more robust than it did this time last year.

For supporters dreaming of a solid top-flight return, this deal ticks plenty of boxes. It is smart, calculated and signals that Leeds are ready to compete.