Following a stellar opening weekend 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, Daniel Farke and the Leeds United recruitment team are working at a frantic pace with just a week remaining in the summer transfer window. While preparations are underway for Tuesday night’s EFL Cup second-round clash against Forest, much of the drama is happening behind the scenes as the Whites look to finalize multiple incoming and outgoing deals.
1. Backup Goalkeeper Secured: Michael Zetterer Nearing £4.3m Switch
The priority to bring in an experienced deputy behind James Trafford is set to be resolved imminently. Leeds are finalising the final details of an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign 31-year-old goalkeeper Michael Zetterer for a fee of £4.3m. Despite initial conflicting noises from representatives, all signs point to the German shot-stopper completing his move to Elland Road in the coming days.
2. Lucas Perri Departure Clears the Path
Zetterer’s impending arrival will directly facilitate the exit of current backup Lucas Perri. The Brazilian wants regular first-team football and has no desire to spend the campaign sitting behind Trafford. While a loan move to Italian side Torino (with an option around £12m) has been heavily discussed, late interest from Juventus has added a twist to his destination. Regardless of whether he chooses Turin or a cross-city switch, Leeds expect the goalkeeper’s future to be sorted this week.
3. Mykhailo Mudryk Emerges as the Ultimate Deadline Priority
With the goalkeeping situation addressed, attention has firmly shifted to bolstering the attack. Chelsea outcast Mykhailo Mudryk has rocketed to the top of Leeds’ wish list.
Although Chelsea rejected an opening loan bid from the Whites, negotiations are ongoing. The Blues would ideally prefer to send the Ukrainian winger to French sister club Strasbourg, but Mudryk’s clear desire is to remain in the Premier League. Leeds are actively pushing to convince both the player and Chelsea to green-light a loan move to Elland Road before the window slams shut on September 1.
