Leeds United loaned out goalkeeper Lucas Perri to Torino during the summer window, and the Brazilian is looking to stake his claim for a permanent move.
The long-running pursuit of James Trafford in the summer painted a very clear picture for Lucas Perri. His starting berth was already stripped of him by Karl Darlow, and signing Trafford for £40million consolidated that fact.
He moved to Torino on loan with an option to buy for £12million. In the Serie A, the 28-year-old has the opportunity to reset after a poor year at Elland Road.
Lucas Perri keeps first Torino clean sheet in 3-0 win over Parma
It’s been a pretty concerning start for Perri in Italy up to yesterday. He was ranked bottom of all goalkeepers for average rating, as former Whites ‘keeper Elia Caprile comes out on top.
However, his wait for a first clean sheet in the granata of Torino ended on Monday night. Perri’s side secured a 3-0 away win against a struggling Parma, where the on-loan Leeds man made eight saves to help his side to victory.
At 2-0, Perri pulled off a superb save to keep Torino’s advantage in the first half. A strong low shot from David Romero was bound for the bottom corner, but Perri got a brilliant palm to it to turn it away.
After the game, manager Ignazio Abate was full of praise for Perri. He acknowledged his tough start, although he noted that injury and fitness didn’t help Perri’s initial struggles with Torino.
“Perri arrived in the last few days. He arrived after an injury, he wasn’t in perfect shape. He arrived in a new country and a new league, it’s not easy. He’s always had the utmost confidence; he’s a serious guy who works,” Abate told Gianluca Di Marzio.
This victory lifts Perri’s Torino up to 10th in the Serie A after seven games, on 10 points.
£12m boost for Leeds United as Lucas Perri gets first Torino clean sheet
Of course, we all hope that Perri confirms a permanent move to Torino in 2027. It’s not because we want rid of him as soon as possible, but that it would benefit all parties if he enjoys a successful loan.
He didn’t have a great season here despite his memorable FA Cup form, and this reset is ideal. If he continues to perform how he did last night, that £12million buy option might be getting triggered.
That would be a really nice boost for our transfer budget going forward, and it would be a great boost for Perri’s confidence going forward.
There’s a good ‘keeper in there, he just needs backing and regular games to show it.
