Daniel Farke clarifies Lucas Perri future as Leeds goalkeeper faces transfer decision

Daniel Farke has confirmed Lucas Perri remains Leeds United’s No.2 goalkeeper behind £40million summer signing James Trafford, although the manager admits a late transfer cannot be ruled out.

Perri endured a difficult summer after injury disrupted his pre-season and speculation emerged over a possible move to Torino.

However, the Brazilian returned to the matchday squad for Leeds’ Premier League opener against Nottingham Forest, taking his place on the bench behind Trafford.

Leeds completely reshaped their goalkeeping department this summer.

Karl Darlow departed for Manchester United after his contract expired, while Illan Meslier joined Arsenal as a back-up option.

Leeds subsequently made Trafford their new No.1 after completing a club-record £40m plus add-ons deal with Manchester City.

That left questions surrounding Perri, particularly after he had lost his starting position to Darlow during the second half of last season.

Farke has now made the current hierarchy clear.

“Obviously James Trafford is our number one and then Lucas our number two and this is how it stands,” the Leeds boss said.

Farke also explained that Perri's preparations were complicated by an injury which kept him away from team training for around two-and-a-half weeks.

The 28-year-old consequently missed almost all of Leeds' pre-season matches.

“He had a bit of a difficult pre-season because he came back and he was then injured,” Farke explained.

The manager praised Alex Cairns for stepping up during that period but said it was always his intention to restore Perri to the bench once the Brazilian had completed enough training.

Perri joined Leeds from Lyon for £16m last summer with the expectation of becoming first choice.

Farke therefore understands why the goalkeeper may be considering his options now that Trafford has taken that position.

“It's also normal that he has his thoughts and is perhaps also thinking about what to do for the future,” Farke said.

“You can't rule anything out. But he's currently under contract for us.”

Leeds have also been linked with another goalkeeper, with Eintracht Frankfurt's Michael Zetterer among the options reportedly under consideration.

Perri's situation could become one to watch during the final days of the window. Leeds are comfortable using him as Trafford's deputy, but the Brazilian was originally signed as a No.1 and may seek regular football elsewhere if a suitable opportunity emerges.

Should Leeds keep Perri as strong competition for Trafford, or allow him to leave if he wants regular first-team football?