Leeds United’s likely circumstances for James Trafford revealed as Man City preference known
Leeds United currently seem “likely” to target a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window, with Manchester City’s James Trafford of interest.
That’s according to Leeds Live on Wednesday, as a possible transfer depends on the Whites’ ability to stay in the Premier League.
While it’s already known that City would prefer a temporary loan exit for Trafford, the reason is so that Pep Guardiola’s side avoids PSR losses while also not having to pay the keeper’s high wages.
However, it’s also said to be dependent on Lucas Perri‘s ability to regain his spot at Elland Road, which now makes everything interesting.
- Read more: James Trafford to Leeds United makes perfect sense after what Elland Road insider revealed
Lucas Perri return to form can halt James Trafford deal
Trafford is facing game-time issues at the Etihad Stadium after rejoining the side that he initially left for in 2023.
The Whites know more than anyone just how good the 23-year-old is, and he is in a difficult situation while battling for competition with Gianluigi Donnarumma.
But his situation is similar to Perri’s at Leeds in the sense that the latter is struggling for playing time that was promised to him in the summer.
Leeds’ FA Cup penalty shootout win over Birmingham City on Sunday may have just changed the trajectory of Perri’s career at Elland Road.
The Brazilian has had a shaky start in LS11, but after making an eye-catching save against Jay Stansfield and winning the shootout for the Whites, everything may now have changed. If the summer comes around and Perri is in form, then it sounds like the Trafford deal won’t happen.
Has Karl Darlow done enough to keep his spot at Leeds?
Some are suggesting that Perri’s performance at St. Andrews’ was enough for him to be chucked straight into Farke’s lineup for the game against Aston Villa this weekend.
When the 28-year-old arrived at Elland Road in the summer, the plan was for him to be the first choice for the whole season. Not many would have expected Karl Darlow to get the chances that he has.
| Games | 10 |
| Clean sheets | 1 |
| Saves | 27 |
| Goals prevented | -5.14 |
Darlow’s lack of ability to make match-winning saves is a concern, but nobody has expected too much from the 25-year-old anyway.
The reality is, the Welshman was never really trusted to play in the Championship, so how he’s getting minutes in the Premier League is baffling.
But, Farke may have pulled a masterclass in leaving Perri out of the side to regain his confidence.
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