Why Leeds United can't financially risk another Lucas Perri repeat with Zion Suzuki

Leeds United have all the warnings they need with Zion Suzuki after signing Lucas Perri last summer.

The Whites are said to be interested in signing the Parma goalkeeper, who has impressed at this year's World Cup, but the 49ers must exercise caution.

Leeds brought Perri to Elland Road last summer in a package deal worth just over £15million.

The Brazilian had a rough start to life in LS11, being central to multiple errors that saw Daniel Farke axe him from the starting XI.

Karl Darlow eventually took his place and helped the club avoid Premier League relegation in stylish fashion.

However, there are many drawbacks to Perri that prove exactly why spending big money on Suzuki may not be the answer.

Why Lucas Perri highlights worry with Zion Suzuki

Leeds are frontrunners to sign Suzuki and have reportedly moved ahead of Juventus in the race for his signature.

The Whites are said to be serious about a £25m move which would see the Japan international head to Elland Road this summer.

However, winding back to the time Leeds bought Perri and what's followed since gives the 49ers a harsh reminder of what they may have to suffer with.

According to a report from Leeds Live earlier this year, there is "no guarantee" that the former Lyon shot-stopper will be sold this summer due to the expected losses that would show on accounts due to his current market value.

Paraag Marathe has already recently admitted that the Whites need to be strategic this summer, and while a new goalkeeper would be appreciated, it's another gamble the club need to weigh up.

Suzuki is untested in the Premier League, and forking out over £25m could do hefty damage in Leeds' current shape if he doesn't perform.

The latest on Perri's future

Leeds are still banking on Darlow re-signing with the club, but the Wales goalkeeper could be waiting to see if Suzuki comes to Elland Road first.

The 35-year-old is a free agent after his deal expired, with Manchester United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur keen.

If Perri were to be his number one, there may be more of a chance of Darlow staying, but that changes if Suzuki joins.

Perri had a poor season for Leeds last campaign, and it was highlighted by Michael Dawson on Sky Sports after he made a mistake in the loss to Manchester City back in November.

Dawson said: "It's terrible goalkeeping. It's an inswinging corner by [Nico] Gonzalez and Perri; you have to punch the ball away.

"He goes up with Nico O'Reilly to punch it, but he knocks it down, and it gets tapped in from two yards out."

Leeds received an offer for Perri in January, but as of now, there's no reported interest in the shot-stopper.