Leeds United have been told that they have “wasted funds” that could have been used elsewhere in the squad by bringing Lucas Perri to the club.
Lucas Perri had an afternoon to forget at the City Ground as Leeds fell to a costly 3-1 defeat against Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest.
Things appeared to be going well for the Leeds United goalkeeper when he made an early double save. However, he was criticised by Leeds fans for his role in Forest’s first goal.
Perri was also criticised for his role in Leeds’ defeat against Brighton and has endured a rocky start to life at Elland Road, as injury disrupted his adaptation to the Premier League.
Now, former Leeds defender Jon Newsome has warned Leeds that they may have “wasted funds” on Perri, money which could have been used to strengthen their attack.
Lucas Perri attempts a save during Nottingham Forest v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Leeds United fans have ‘wasted funds’ on Lucas Perri transfer
Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds following Leeds’ latest defeat at the City Ground, Newsome criticised the club for spending £15 million to bring in Perri from Lyon.
According to Newsome, there is not much between Perri and reserve goalkeeper Karl Darlow, and Leeds could have used those funds better in other positions.
Asked whether he thought Darlow was a better option than Perri, Newsome said: “I think it’s difficult to answer. I think you’re splitting hairs to say one’s better than the other. And that then makes you ask the question, why have you gone and spent what was it for Perri? 15 million quid? 18 million quid?
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“Why have you gone and spent that on a keeper that doesn’t improve what you’ve already got, when you’re crying out for the top of the pitch? And they said, ‘Oh, we were struggling to get somebody in a 10 in or another 9 in because we were running out of funds.’
“Well, have you wasted funds elsewhere? That’s all accountability. And listen, the thing is, it’s part of the transfer business and football.
“You go buy these players hoping that the stats and what you’ve seen, the performances in the leagues that they’re at, will help them come and perform in the Premier League. But you don’t know that until you throw them in there, you know, and some will work and some won’t.”
Lucas Perri attempts a save during Nottingham Forest v Leeds United - Premier League
Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Leeds United need better distribution from Lucas Perri
Although Perri attracted criticism for his error against Forest, he recovered to produce a relatively solid display, aside from that moment.
However, while the Brazilian has been criticised for his handling, his distribution is becoming a major problem for Leeds, particularly his long kicking.
Lucas Perri v Nottingham Forest
Goals Conceded: 3
xG Against: 3.42
Saves: 3
High Takes: 1
Accurate Passes (Success Rate): 29/36 (81%)
Accurate Long Passes (Success Rate): 1/8 (13%)
According to the data from FotMob, Perri connected with just one of his eight attempted long passes, and his overall pass accuracy was just 81% as a result.
With no Dominic Calvert-Lewin to lead the line, Perri’s long kicking had to be precise. While every goalkeeper will make errors, Daniel Farke will expect more from his number one with the ball at his feet.