⚪ Leeds United Transfer Strategy: Perri Signed, Attack Takes Centre Stage
Leeds United are making strong moves in the transfer market this summer, signalling serious intent for the 2024/25 campaign. With the defence and midfield considered settled following recent additions, the focus has now turned toward revamping Daniel Farke’s attacking unit. This comes at a time when Leeds are preparing for another push for promotion, and the club’s recent activity suggests a clear strategy in place.
🧤 Goalkeeper Sorted: Lucas Perri Arrives
The first big piece of business is the signing of Brazilian goalkeeper Lucas Perri from Lyon. The 26-year-old was spotted at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, and reports confirm he is either already at or en route to Leeds United’s training base in Germany. The £15.6 million deal secures a dependable and athletic presence between the posts.
Perri arrives after impressing during spells with Botafogo and Lyon, and his acquisition marks the completion of the club’s efforts to shore up the backline. With Illan Meslier likely to depart and Karl Darlow considered more of a backup, Perri is expected to take the No.1 shirt.
🔄 Focus Shift: All Eyes on the Attack
With defence and midfield “sorted out,” the narrative now shifts to bolstering the front line — particularly after the collapse of a move for Manor Solomon, who opted to remain at Tottenham Hotspur despite Leeds’ interest in making him their primary left-wing option.
🎯 Left-Winger Search: Igor Paixão Targeted
Top of the list is Feyenoord winger Igor Paixão, a dynamic Brazilian known for his pace, dribbling, and pressing — traits Daniel Farke values highly. Leeds are reportedly waiting on the outcome of talks between Feyenoord and Marseille, who are also chasing the 24-year-old.
Paixão would bring both flair and end product to a position where Leeds currently lack natural width, especially on the left. With Crysencio Summerville’s future still uncertain and Wilfried Gnonto inconsistent, a new winger has become a key part of Leeds’ offensive rebuild.
⚔️ Striker Situation: Leeds Face a Critical Juncture
Perhaps the most pressing concern for Leeds United right now is the striker department. Several factors are converging that make it inevitable Leeds will bring in at least two forwards this window:
Mateo Joseph has told the club he wants to leave, and has remained in the UK rather than joining the squad in Germany.
Patrick Bamford is no longer in Daniel Farke’s plans, having struggled for form and fitness over the last two seasons.
This leaves Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter as the only senior options — the latter more suited to a second striker or wide forward role.
🔝 Priority Signing: Rodrigo Muniz
Leeds have identified Rodrigo Muniz of Fulham as their top target. The 23-year-old Brazilian is coming off an excellent season where he emerged as one of the surprise packages in the Premier League. With a valuation of around £50 million, Muniz would represent a major investment.
Strengths: Physical presence, aerial ability, intelligent movement, and an improving finishing touch.
Why Leeds want him: Farke’s system demands a strong focal point who can hold up play, press, and finish — Muniz checks all those boxes.
The challenge: Fulham may be reluctant to sell unless they secure a replacement. Leeds may also have to break their transfer record to get the deal done.
🔁 Backup Option / Squad Depth: Marc Guiu
Another interesting name linked with Leeds is Marc Guiu, the 18-year-old Spanish striker who joined Chelsea from Barcelona in January. Leeds were monitoring him before his move to Stamford Bridge and are back in the picture now that he’s reportedly available on loan or for a modest fee of £5 million.
Last Season at Chelsea:
Made only 3 Premier League appearances due to fierce competition and a mid-season hamstring injury.
Shone in the UEFA Conference League: 7 appearances, 6 goals, including:
A hat-trick vs Shamrock Rovers
A brace vs FC Astana
Featured at the FIFA Club World Cup, making two substitute appearances.
Former Leeds winger Jermaine Pennant has publicly backed the move, telling the Yorkshire Post that Guiu would be “a good pick” for a club like Leeds. He described him as energetic, hardworking, and stylistically suited to Farke’s setup — not quite the finished product, but with clear upside and resale value.
Guiu would likely be brought in as a backup or developmental option, possibly to rotate in for cup games or be nurtured for a more prominent role later in the season.
🔍 Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for Leeds?
Daniel Farke appears to be building a squad that combines experience and potential — capable of challenging for promotion while also developing players with Premier League upside. The approach is balanced:
Lucas Perri solidifies the back, with Leeds now having a strong spine.
The midfield, with players like Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara, and Ilia Gruev, looks settled and functional.
The attack is where the risk — and reward — lies.
If Leeds manage to land both Rodrigo Muniz and Igor Paixão, while adding a promising name like Marc Guiu, it would represent a transformative window — one that equips them for an automatic promotion battle.
📈 Final Thoughts: What’s Next?
Expect Leeds to move quickly in the next week or two:
Attacking signings are now the top priority.
Muniz negotiations may drag on due to Fulham’s stance, but Leeds may test their resolve.
Guiu looks like a realistic and low-risk addition for depth.
Watch the Paixão situation closely — if Marseille close a deal, Leeds may need to pivot.
The pieces are falling into place for Daniel Farke’s side, but the next two striker signings will likely define whether Leeds can go from playoff hopefuls to promotion favorites.