Perri 'worth points by himself' - but maybe 'not at Meslier's expense'published at 12:16 BST 27 July
12:16 BST 27 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether Leeds United's latest summer addition Lucas Perri is an upgrade on Illan Meslier and whether he will be able to step up as Daniel Farke's number one this season.
Here are some of your replies:
Law: Fantastic news! I've stood by Meslier through thick and thin, as he has always had potential, but unfortunately something had to change. From what I've seen, Perri seems a fantastic new signing. Hopefully he can push on for us and then challenge for the Brazil number one shirt.
Stephen: Class is permanent, form is temporary. While nobody will argue against the fact that Meslier lost form last season, he remains a talented goalkeeper with close to 100 Premier League games under his belt and over 200 games for Leeds. To let someone of that pedigree go relatively cheaply is likely to bite us back in the future, particularly if he moves to an English rival. I'm sure that Perri will be a welcome addition to the squad, however I'm not so sure that this should be at the expense of Meslier.
Danny: Outstanding signing. He is worth points by himself with the performances I've seen. Go all out now and sign the two fellow Brazilians that we're in for.
Simon: He looks like another decent signing. 6ft 5in but broader than Meslier. I just hope he is a box dominator because that has been Meslier's major area of weakness.
Andy: I would actually keep Meslier. Perri might be the challenge he needs to drive himself back to his best, but he is also a better second choice goalkeeper than Karl Darlow, who will keep Perri on his toes.
Gary: Brilliant signing. I just hope he is allowed to distribute the ball like he does in the videos I've seen. It will stop putting our defenders under pressure and get us on the attack faster. We just need a striker and that is us ready for the new season. Well done to the board for backing the manager and keeping their word.
What Leeds are getting with Perripublished at 11:45 BST 27 July
11:45 BST 27 July
Sophie Brown BBC Sport journalist
A new goalkeeper was high on the transfer wishlist for Leeds United, and now 6ft 5in Lucas Perri has been brought in from Lyon as as their seventh summer signing.
Frenchman Illan Meslier has been Leeds' first-choice keeper for the past five seasons, but his tenure in goal has been marked by a string of high-profile errors.
He was dropped by Sam Allardyce at the end of their most recent Premier League campaign in 2023, and also lost his place to Karl Darlow for the final seven matches of last season.
Perri played in his native Brazil until joining Lyon in January 2024, although he did have a brief loan spell with Crystal Palace in 2019 (but didn't make an appearance).
The 27-year-old kept 10 clean sheets in Ligue 1 last season and should bring some defensive confidence to the Leeds defence. He is famed for his lengthy throws but can also play the ball out with his feet, with his passing accuracy 6% better than Meslier's.
'A dream come true' - Perri signs for Leedspublished at 19:46 BST 26 July
19:46 BST 26 July
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds United's newest signing Lucas Perri says he feels "amazing" after completing a move from Ligue 1 side Lyon to the newly-promoted Premier League club.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper has penned a four-year contract with the Whites, becoming manager Daniel Farke's seventh summer addition.
Perri was a regular at Lyon last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions and keeping 13 clean sheets as the French side secured Europa League football for 2025-26.
"It is a great thing to be here," Perri told LUTV, external. "I feel amazing. It is incredible. It is a dream come true.
"When I first heard that the interest could be something serious and actually happen, I started to look for videos of the stadium, the atmosphere, the games and the highlights of the matches.
"It was a really exciting moment for me. I was really glad that the club showed interest. I am very happy to sign here.
"I think it is a great challenge for me - a great opportunity. I am really happy and focused to be my best version here.
"One of the most important things as a goalkeeper is to transmit a sense of trust and security. The calmness that the players, the fans, the staff need - everybody [should be able to] look at me in goal and feel safe, feel calm."
Gossip: £15.6m Perri set for Leeds medicalpublished at 07:20 BST 25 July
07:20 BST 25 July
Leeds United have agreed a deal with Lyon for goalkeeper Lucas Perri worth £15.6m, with the 27-year-old Brazilian expected to have a medical at the Whites' pre-season training camp in Germany. (Mail), external
Gossip: Leeds given boost in Paixao pursuitpublished at 07:20 BST 24 July
07:20 BST 24 July
Talks between Marseille and Feyenoord for Leeds United target Igor Paixao are at a standstill after the French club's £24m bid fell short of the asking price. (RMC - in French), external.
'Some week for the strikers at Elland Road'published at 15:30 BST 23 July
15:30 BST 23 July
Jonathan Buchan BBC Radio Leeds sports editor
Image source, Getty Images
It has been some week for the strikers at Elland Road.
Not many would have predicted that Patrick Bamford's final action in a Leeds United shirt would have been playing guitar for the Kaiser Chiefs, but it appears that will now be the case.
Because of injury, memories of double-digit seasons and Premier League hat-tricks have sadly become as faded as his infamous bleach blonde hairdo over the past two seasons.
He will now head to another club with the best wishes of Leeds supporters - and he will undoubtedly score goals.
The same cannot be guaranteed for Mateo Joseph.
His transfer request, and subsequent refusal to join up with the team on their pre-season tour in Germany, has resulted in strong words from boss Daniel Farke.
The 21-year-old was heavily backed by the German at the start of last season. He was given the nod to lead the line for the opening eight games of the Championship campaign, ahead of eventual golden boot winner Joel Piroe.
Farke still wants the player to return to training with the squad, but has also stated they are willing to facilitate a move for the Spaniard, albeit only on terms beneficial to the club.
Both departures would help on a PSR front with Joseph being a solid amount of profit and Bamford's wages being removed from the spreadsheet.
However, with the pair now likely to move on, it could change the club's desire for one new striker this summer, into a need for two.
'It's not a situation I like' - Farke on Josephpublished at 09:21 BST 23 July
09:21 BST 23 July
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds boss Daniel Farke has confirmed striker Mateo Joseph "would like to move" away from the club.
The 21-year-old has three years left on his current deal, but has not travelled on the Whites' pre-season tour of Germany and "prefers a move to Spain", according to Farke.
Joseph made 39 appearances in the Championship last season, including 11 starts, and scored three goals.
"It was actually the plan to have him here [in Germany]," said Farke after his side beat SC Verl 4-1.
"With him the situation is quite clear. We really value and rate him - otherwise we wouldn't have played him, especially in the beginning of the last successful campaign ahead of a golden boot winner in Joel Piroe and an experienced striker like Patrick Bamford.
"Nevertheless, he came to me and asked for a new challenge and would like to move. He has also hinted that he prefers a move to Spain due to his Spanish roots. That was his call."
Farke has said he "won't stand in the way" of a move for Joseph, but expressed his disappointment.
"We have invested a lot in him - time, money and backing," Farke added.
"He's on a long-term contract and we value him. This is for our key people and the board to decide the value. The truth is that no other club has met our expectations yet.
"Because of that, we expected him to train and travel with us. He mentioned that he didn't feel ready for the trip to Stockholm. I accepted this because he started later with training. The day after, he said he didn't feel ready to travel to play the friendlies here in Germany.
"It's not a situation I like. I've spoken honestly to him and strongly recommended him to be professional but he said he's not in a mental state to do this.
"What should I do? I can't call the police to drag him here on the training pitch. It was his decision."
🎧 Farke's striker situationpublished at 07:41 BST 23 July
07:41 BST 23 July
A new episode of the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast is now available to listen to and download on BBC Sounds.
It has been an interesting few days for Leeds with Daniel Farke saying Mateo Joseph has asked to leave the club and fellow striker Patrick Bamford being told he can depart.
BBC Radio Leeds' Jonny Buchan and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix discuss United boss Farke's striker situation, plus reflect on the Whites' summer transfer window so far.
Farke 'clearly keen to add height and physicality' to Leeds squadpublished at 12:27 BST 22 July
12:27 BST 22 July
Tom McCoy BBC journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Anton Stach is Leeds' sixth signing of the summer, four of whom are 6ft 1in or taller, with head coach Daniel Farke clearly keen to add height and physicality to the squad which won promotion from the Championship last season.
Stach, who has moved to Elland Road from Hoffenheim for £17m, certainly fits the bill, having been one of the Bundesliga's most effective ball-winners in recent years.
In the past two seasons he has registered 120 interceptions, more than any other player in the German top flight, and won possession 393 times, which is the league's third-highest tally. He also ranks fourth for tackles attempted and duels won.
His versatility should also be an asset for Leeds. Though used primarily as a holding midfielder by Hoffenheim, Stach began 2024-25 at centre-back, only switching to a more advanced role in November following the appointment of Christian Ilzer as head coach.
At 6ft 4in tall, Stach is an effective aerial presence in both boxes. With Leeds also recruiting Jaka Bijol and Sebastian Bornauw - both of whom are 6ft 3in - plus 6ft 1in Lukas Nmecha, they will hope to gain a competitive edge next season when it comes to all-important set-pieces.
The 26-year-old midfielder has joined the Whites on a four-year contract, with the deal subject to a number of add-ons.
Stach has spent five years playing in the German top flight and, at 6ft4, brings a commanding presence to both the centre of the pitch and defensively, while also providing a goal threat having scored 26 goals.
He has made over 250 career appearances in all club competitions and also has two caps for Germany.
"I am feeling really good. I am excited to join such a good team, such a good Premier League team, and I am looking forward to the next season," Stach told club media.
"I would say I am an aggressive player. I am good in duels. I am good at anticipating passes from the opponents and it would be good for the Premier League. Now we will see, I will try my best!
"The biggest target is to stay in the league and personally just develop, adapt to the league - to the speed, of course - and then get many good experiences hopefully.
"I am really excited to play at home with the fans because I think the fans are really good here and as well away.
"I want to feel the atmosphere because I heard and I saw so many videos of the fans, the promotion [parade] - over 150,000 people in the city.
"That is awesome. That is crazy when the team has a connection to the city. When you have fans like this, they get you some points as well in the league."
Stach becomes Leeds' sixth signing of the summer, with the Whites having also brought in defenders Sebastiaan Bornauw, Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson, as well as forward Lukas Nmecha.
Stach 'could be really good' but 'worried for Tanaka'published at 08:19 BST 21 July
08:19 BST 21 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on Leeds' latest signing Anton Stach, who is set to join from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim.
He will be the second arrival in midfield in a few days following the signing of Sean Longstaff, while Daniel Farke has also bought three defenders and a forward this summer.
Here are some of your comments:
Kevin: I'm worried for Ao Tanaka. Absolutely solid last season and a Premier League quality player so with these first team quality signings, I'm hoping he won't be shunned. I guess it's good to have depth?
Boris: We seem to be cornering the market in defensive midfielders - Ethan Ampadu, Tanaka, Ilia Gruev, and now Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach - while we are crying out for a creative number 10, as well as a proven number nine and goalkeeper.
Iain: Could be a really good signing. Just a pity in some ways that his arrival, and that of Longstaff, will probably relegate at least one of Ampadu, Gruev and Tanaka to the bench.
Sam: Solid start to the transfer window with some very nice strengthening of the squad. Ideally, we need a new winger to replace Manor Solomon and a new goalkeeper, but defence and midfield now looks solid.
Antony: It seems we are working from back to front, but we are still in need of a keeper and a striker as Lukas Nmecha is a squad player in my opinion. We need a striker with big league experience to score 15-plus goals.
Harry: I'm glad that we are signing people, but we need to sign an amazing keeper that can help keep us clean sheets.
Gossip: Leeds want to raise funds for Munizpublished at 07:28 BST 21 July
07:28 BST 21 July
Leeds United want a bidding war to ensue for forward Mateo Joseph in the hope they can raise funds for a move to sign Brazil and Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz, 24. (Sun, external)
Harrison must win fans' trust - Farkepublished at 13:30 BST 20 July
13:30 BST 20 July
Simon Stone in Stockholm Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Leeds boss Daniel Farke says Jack Harrison needs to win back the trust of the club's supporters.
While Leeds have spent the past two seasons trying to win back their Premier League status, Harrison has been a regular in the top flight with Everton thanks to successive loan deals.
The 28-year-old still has three years left on his contract but it was widely expected he would be on the move again this summer.
Instead, Harrison was a surprise starter in the Leeds side that opened their pre-season campaign with an encouraging goalless draw against old rivals Manchester United in Stockholm.
The former Manchester City man produced a tidy performance and Farke feels the winger will be an asset if he remains at Elland Road.
However, he knows Harrison must win over sceptics within the Leeds fanbase who felt he ditched them rather than play in the Championship.
"Jack has many Premier League appearances and we would be stupid if we didn't want to use that," said Farke. "It is a bit tricky if you have a couple of years away but that was a decision before my time.
"Right now he is back with us. He is a great guy, a hard worker and very reliable. It is up to him to win the confidence and trust back.
"I had this situation when I arrived with Junior Firpo, and people saying he was the worst signing ever and he couldn't defend. Now he has left as a hero.
"For Jack to win trust back, he has to show quality and consistency. This was a good first step."
Man Utd and Leeds draw 0-0 in Stockholm friendlypublished at 16:28 BST 19 July
16:28 BST 19 July
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United and Leeds United played out a 0-0 draw in Stockholm to start their respective pre-season campaigns.
Summer signings Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon made their first appearances for Ruben Amorin's side, while Leeds new boys Lukas Nmecha and Sean Longstaff - the latter signed just yesterday from Newcastle - also featured at the Strawberry Arena.
'I got a feeling they really wanted me' - Longstaff on Leeds movepublished at 16:02 BST 19 July
16:02 BST 19 July
Image source, Getty Images
Sean Longstaff says his new club Leeds is the "perfect place" for him after departing his boyhood club Newcastle.
Longstaff has agreed a four-year deal after signing for £12m plus potential add-ons. It ends an 18-year association with the Magpies, having come through the ranks at the club.
"I think it is just really exciting to get going It seems like a really good group," Longstaff told LUTV, external. "I have heard great things.
"I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I got a feeling that they really wanted me.
"It fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.
"It was going to take a lot for us to leave Newcastle to be honest. I wasn't just going to leave to go anywhere so it had to be the right place for me and my family and I think this is a perfect place.
"I got to watch pretty much all the games and saw a team that was really exciting to watch, athletic, really good on the ball.
"Every time I came to play at Leeds, the atmosphere was amazing. It was always bouncing and a really tough place to play.
"I am just looking forward to having that on my side rather than having to play against them."
