Torino reach Milinkovic-Savic transfer agreement after Leeds United news
Leeds United were keen to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with Illan Meslier expected to leave.
Meslier made several high-profile mistakes last season in the Championship. As a result, the goalkeeper is not expected to continue between the sticks for Daniel Farke in the Premier League.
Therefore, a new shot-stopper has been among several priorities for Leeds this summer, with the Whites having already confirmed the arrivals of six new players.
Elland Road could be set to welcome further reinforcements in the coming weeks, with decision-makers ready to accelerate progress on several new signings.
Vanja Milinkovic-Savic set to join Napoli
Serbian goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic was among Leeds’ top targets between the sticks this summer.
The 28-year-old giant enjoyed a strong season for Torino in Serie A and was thought to be available this summer, for the right price.
However, Leeds made a move for Lyon shot-stopper Lucas Perri instead, with the Brazilian’s arrival set to be announced by the West Yorkshire club imminently.
| Lucas Perri | Ligue 1 (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 33 |
| Clean sheets | 10 |
The deal, which will see the 27-year-old join for around £15.6million, ended Leeds’ pursuit of Milinkovic-Savic, and the Serbian is now set to join Napoli.
As reported by Fabrizio Romano via X (25 July), Napoli have agreed a fee with Torino for the goalkeeper worth around £18.3m.
Milinkovic-Savic has already said yes to the move and is expected to complete the formalities of the deal in the coming days.
Leeds will be happy with their business
Leeds will be happy to have secured the services of a new goalkeeper this summer, with a replacement for Meslier absolutely crucial to the Whites’ chances in the Premier League next season.
While on the face of it, Milinkovic-Savic looks better suited for the physicality of England’s top-flight, being taller and more dominant in his penalty box, the Whites will be happy with the signing of Perri.
The Brazilian possesses superb reflexes and an absurdly long throw, and, standing at six feet and four inches tall, is more than capable of claiming incoming crosses.
Leeds will also feel that they have secured a great deal in comparison to the fee that Milinkovic-Savic has garnered, considering that Perri is a year younger.
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