Leeds United may have smashed their transfer record to bring James Trafford to Elland Road, but Daniel Farke’s recruitment drive is far from over. Despite securing one of England’s brightest goalkeeping talents, the Whites are still pushing to strengthen between the posts, and a fresh European target has now emerged in what could become one of the most intriguing goalkeeper stories of the summer.
The club’s transfer strategy has taken another fascinating twist as Juventus goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio is being linked with a move to West Yorkshire. Reports from Italy suggest his representative recently travelled to England to explore Premier League opportunities, immediately fuelling speculation that Leeds could be preparing another major move before the transfer deadline.
The situation has developed largely because Lucas Perri looks increasingly likely to leave Elland Road. Torino remain determined to sign the Brazilian goalkeeper after weeks of negotiations, with discussions centering around a loan agreement that includes an option to make the transfer permanent. The deal has been temporarily delayed due to Perri recovering from a minor injury, but both clubs remain optimistic that the move will eventually be completed.
Should Perri depart, Leeds would suddenly find themselves relying heavily on Trafford alongside experienced backup Alex Cairns. While Cairns is respected within the squad, he has barely featured in competitive football for the Whites in recent seasons, leaving Daniel Farke eager to recruit another goalkeeper capable of stepping into Premier League action whenever required.
That has placed Di Gregorio firmly on Leeds’ radar.
The Italian goalkeeper’s future at Juventus has become increasingly uncertain following the Turin club’s pursuit of another senior shot-stopper. Once expected to compete for the No.1 jersey, Di Gregorio now faces the possibility of slipping further down the pecking order, opening the door to a potential exit before the transfer window closes.
Initially, the 29-year-old reportedly wanted to remain in Italy and fight for his place. However, circumstances appear to have changed significantly. According to reports in Italy, his agent Carlo Alberto Belloni travelled to England over the weekend to assess possible opportunities in the Premier League, where several clubs are monitoring the situation.
Leeds are believed to be one of those clubs searching for experienced competition behind Trafford.
Juventus are thought to value Di Gregorio at around £12.8 million, although a permanent transfer may not be the only solution. A season-long loan with an obligation to buy could satisfy all parties, allowing Leeds to spread the financial commitment while giving the goalkeeper the opportunity to prove himself in English football.
From Leeds’ perspective, the move makes considerable sense.
Trafford is expected to begin the season as the club’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper after arriving from Manchester City in a record-breaking deal. However, Farke understands that survival in the Premier League requires genuine depth in every position, especially one as important as goalkeeper.
Di Gregorio would provide exactly that.
Having accumulated significant experience in Serie A, he possesses the quality to step into the starting lineup whenever necessary while also pushing Trafford in training throughout the campaign. Healthy competition could benefit both players as Leeds prepare for what promises to be an extremely demanding season.
For Di Gregorio himself, a move to Elland Road could represent the perfect opportunity to begin a new chapter. Although joining as Trafford’s deputy may not guarantee immediate first-team football, regular appearances in domestic cup competitions and the possibility of Premier League opportunities could make the challenge attractive.
There remains no confirmation that formal negotiations have taken place between Leeds and Juventus, but Belloni’s visit to England has certainly intensified speculation surrounding the goalkeeper’s future.
With Lucas Perri edging closer to Torino and Leeds still determined to strengthen their squad before deadline day, the coming days could prove decisive. If Juventus are willing to negotiate and Di Gregorio is prepared to embrace a fresh challenge in England, Daniel Farke may yet complete another impressive piece of business as he continues building a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.
