Leeds United forced into transfer rethink after Lucas Perri heroics vs Birmingham City
Lucas Perri finally got a chance to prove his worth for Leeds United against Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The goalkeeper made his first start in six games for the Whites as they beat the Blues on penalties at St Andrew’s on 15 February.
Karl Darlow has been Daniel Farke’s first choice in between the sticks in recent matches after the former Olympique Lyon shot-stopper’s struggles.
The 28-year-old Brazilian national had some standout moments in B9, which may force the West Yorkshire outfit to change their plans before the end of the season.
Lucas Perri back on track to be Leeds United number one
Leeds signed Perri last summer to reinforce their goalkeeping department as they looked to replace Illan Meslier.
The French shot-stopper, who’s surprisingly still at Elland Road, has effectively been relegated to being the backup behind Darlow and the ex-Lyon ace.
While investment in a new number one was needed at the Whites after winning promotion to the Premier League, the Brazil national has hardly lived up to expectations this season.
As a result, 49ers Enterprises want to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford in the summer if the West Yorkshire outfit avoid relegation.
However, Perri may put a spanner in the works and make an approach for the former Burnley ace unnecessary after his four saves, including one in the penalty shootout, and winning all of his duels at St Andrew’s, as per Sofascore.
The former Lyon star is laying the groundwork for his return to the starting lineup in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see whether the shot-stopper can maintain his form from here on out.
- Read More: Steve McManaman raves about ‘brilliant’ Lucas Perri after what he did in Birmingham vs Leeds
Daniel Farke has new Elland Road favourite after win vs Birmingham
James Justin was handed the captain’s armband as Leeds took the field at St Andrew’s without Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk.
The 27-year-old joined the Whites for £10million from Leicester City last summer, but some supporters wondered why a significant amount was spent on the defender after he struggled for regular game time at the start of the season.
Justin now seems to have carved an important place in Farke’s plans, starting in the last eight Premier League matches.
The German manager’s decision to hand the versatile right-back the armband goes to show he’s already become an influential voice in the dressing room.
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