Leeds United loanee Lucas Perri backed to overcome difficult Torino start

Lucas Perri has endured a difficult start since leaving Leeds United for Torino, but the goalkeeper already appears to have the full backing of manager Ignazio Abate.

The Brazilian joined Torino on loan during the summer after lengthy negotiations with Leeds. The Serie A club eventually agreed to an option to buy worth €16m after Leeds successfully pushed up his valuation.

His opening weeks in Italy have been far from straightforward, with costly mistakes against Monza and Fiorentina putting the 28-year-old under early pressure.

However, there is growing confidence at Torino that Perri will soon show why the club worked so hard to sign him.

Tuttosport describe Perri’s opening weeks as a “rollercoaster”, but there have also been encouraging signs.

Despite his errors, the goalkeeper responded positively rather than allowing them to affect the remainder of his performances. Against Fiorentina, he recovered to make an important save as Torino secured a 2-1 victory.

Abate is also reportedly impressed by Perri’s personality and leadership qualities.

The Torino manager sees the Leeds loanee as someone capable of setting an example for younger members of the squad. His influence inside the dressing room has already helped win over the coach.

Importantly, his position as Torino’s first-choice goalkeeper remains secure.

This loan represents an important opportunity for Perri after leaving Leeds.

Torino clearly believe in the goalkeeper they signed and are waiting to see the player who previously impressed during his time at Lyon.

The early mistakes cannot be ignored, particularly with a €16m purchase option potentially determining his longer-term future.

However, there have also been signs of the authority Torino expected. Perri has been vocal, shown leadership and responded well after making mistakes.

If he can now add consistency to those qualities, a difficult opening few weeks could quickly become irrelevant.

Perri now needs a consistent run of performances to justify Torino’s faith. His first-choice status gives him that opportunity, while Leeds will be watching closely with a potential €16m permanent transfer at stake.