Leeds United have now made an approach to sign an “incredible” goalkeeper, who has been identified as a leading target alongside Lyon’s Lucas Perri, according to a report.
Leeds looking for upgrade on Illan Meslier
It has become apparent that Leeds will look to find a replacement for the error-prone Illan Meslier this summer, and journalist Luke Entwistle believes Lyon shot-stopper Perri could be a suitable option.
Entwistle said: “He’s an interesting shout for Leeds in particular. They obviously need a goalkeeper, and I’m sure they’ll be wary of having someone who can’t use their feet, and I’m not saying that he’s in that category, but he did have a few hairy moments.
“I do think he would nonetheless be an upgrade on Meslier in that regard and also in terms of his shot-stopping.”
The Brazilian goalkeeper was identified as the Whites’ number one target to replace Meslier last week, and there have been suggestions that he could be available for a fee of around £20m, given Lyon’s significant financial issues.
Leeds want to sign "amazing" attacker who was once Europa League top scorer
The Whites have identified a new transfer target to bolster their midfield options.
ByBrett WorthingtonJul 14, 2025
However, the 27-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing that Leeds have also identified Angers SCO goalkeeper Yahia Fofana as a leading target alongside Perri.
Fofana may be available for a lower fee than the Lyon goalkeeper, with previous reports suggesting he could cost just £8m, and the Whites have now approached Angers to discuss a potential deal.
Perri remains Daniel Farke’s first-choice target, but the Ivorian goalkeeper moving to Elland Road is deemed more likely than Nick Pope, with the 33-year-old determined to stay at Newcastle United ahead of a Champions League campaign.
There is also interest in Meslier from France and Italy, with Leeds now actively trying to get the Frenchman off the books this summer, although none of the interested parties are currently in advanced talks.
"Incredible" Fofana could be solid Perri alternative
Having previously been lauded as “incredible” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango, the 24-year-old went on to have a very impressive 2024-25 campaign at Angers, with fellow scout Ben Mattinson singling him out for high praise.
With an average SofaScore rating of 7.28 in Ligue 1, the Paris-born goalkeeper was by far the best-performing Angers player last term, and his potential availability for just £8m means he would be a low-cost addition to Farke’s squad.
As such, if Perri is unattainable, Fofana could be a fantastic alternative, with the goalkeeper clearly ready to test himself in the Premier League.