Since his £15.6m arrival from Lyon, Lucas Perri has done little to convince Leeds United fans that he is the answer between the sticks at Elland Road, even if there are some glimpses.
After promotion had been secured, one of Leeds’ main priorities was a new goalkeeper. Illan Meslier had been dropped, and Karl Darlow had taken over, but the veteran Wales stopper was only ever a back-up.
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Lucas Perri's distribution is becoming a problem for Leeds United
So, Leeds had to make a new signing, and they chose to take advantage of Lyon’s financial issues, by doing a deal for Brazilian giant Perri. He fit the criteria of Leeds signing big players to be more imposing.
But Perri has made mistakes. Beaten at his near post against Chelsea, Forest’s first goal, but mostly the goalkeeper’s kicking has come under the microscope. Simon Grayson has been discussing the Brazilian.
Simon Grayson teases Lucas Perri front of Leeds United fans
Perri has not been great with the ball at his feet since his move to Elland Road. His kicking is often done first time, and it makes it less accurate. Grayson said this, on Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet’s live podcast:
“When I look at him, he makes some good saves but then do something average, like the Forest goal and palms it out. Liverpool, two top saves. He’s come from a different country,” the former Leeds gaffer said.
“People have got to understand that. Understand the Premier League, the players he’s working with. He’s obviously got fantastic ability. I think he’ll only get better, as long as they widen the pitch,” Grayson joked.
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Leeds were linked with plenty, but one goalkeeper would probably have topped the list for Leeds fans among the options considered by Adam Underwood; Brentford and Ireland stopper Caomihin Kelleher.
Kelleher joined Brentford early in the window and has gone on to prove he is a lot more than just a backup goalkeeper at Liverpool. He would have been the perfect signing, but instead Leeds got Perri.
Daniel Farke says Leeds are working on Perri’s kicking, and attempting to improve the goalkeeper as a whole. But the jury is still out over whether Leeds made the right signing in Perri over anyone else.
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