Lucas Perri Transfer: Leeds United Goalkeeper Emerges as Olympique Marseille Target
Football Transfer News
Olympique Marseille have reportedly entered the race to sign Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri, creating fresh uncertainty over the Brazilian’s future just as a move to Italian side Torino appeared close to completion. The late intervention from the French club has turned what looked like a straightforward departure from Elland Road into one of the more intriguing goalkeeper stories of the summer transfer window.
Perri, 28, joined Leeds United from Olympique Lyonnais in July 2025 on a four-year contract. Leeds described him at the time as a major addition to their goalkeeping department after an impressive campaign in France, where he made 45 appearances in all competitions and recorded 13 clean sheets.
However, the Brazilian goalkeeper’s position at Leeds has changed following the arrival of James Trafford from Manchester City. With Trafford expected to be Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper, Perri’s opportunities for regular football have become increasingly limited, making a summer exit a realistic possibility.
For much of the summer, Torino appeared to be the leading destination. Reports indicated that Leeds had reached a baseline agreement with the Serie A club for a season-long loan, with Torino reportedly having an option to make the transfer permanent. Perri was expected to travel to Italy for a medical, but the process was delayed.
That delay has opened the door for Marseille.
According to reports emerging on August 13 and 14, Marseille have intensified their efforts to sign Perri and have presented an offer to the goalkeeper and his representatives. The French club’s interest has reportedly encouraged Perri to pause before committing to Torino, giving Marseille an opportunity to convince him to return to Ligue 1.
A move to Marseille would represent an interesting return to French football for Perri. Before joining Leeds, he established himself with Lyon and gained significant experience in Ligue 1 and European competition. His familiarity with French football could therefore make the transition relatively straightforward.
Marseille’s interest has also emerged at a crucial moment for the club. Argentine goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli has just left Marseille to join Manchester City on a two-year contract, meaning the French side have a clear need to strengthen their goalkeeping options.
For Leeds, Marseille’s involvement could prove beneficial. Reports suggest that the French club may be interested in a permanent transfer rather than simply taking Perri on loan. That could give Leeds a stronger financial solution while also allowing them to remove a goalkeeper who is unlikely to be their first choice this season.
At present, however, the transfer should not be described as completed. Torino remain interested, while Marseille are attempting to hijack the Italian club’s proposed move. Perri is reportedly considering his options before making a final decision.
The coming days could therefore be decisive. If Marseille can reach an agreement with Leeds and persuade Perri that the Stade Vélodrome is the right destination, the Brazilian could make a surprise return to Ligue 1. If negotiations fail, Torino could still revive their deal.
One thing appears increasingly clear: Lucas Perri’s Leeds United future is approaching its conclusion, but his next destination remains uncertain. What seemed destined to be a move to Torino has suddenly become a battle between Italy and France, with Marseille now pushing hard to bring the experienced Brazilian goalkeeper back to Ligue 1.
