Lucas Perri was Leeds United's FA Cup hero but will be sent back to the bench
James Smailes Head of All Out Rugby League and Yorkshire sport at Reach plc
05:00, 07 Apr 2026
Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri celebrates at full time with fans
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Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri celebrates at full time with fans
Celebrating with supporters after his penalty heroics at West Ham, Lucas Perri had a smile as wide as the Wembley arch that he is set to play under. In fact, that FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley is likely to be the next time Perri makes an appearance for Leeds United, with the man who was signed to be the club's new number one, having to again settle for playing a support act to Karl Darlow.
Since Leeds' 4-3 loss at Newcastle in early January, the high-profile summer signing has found himself relegated to the number two position as Wales international Darlow is again entrusted with the shirt, just as he was around this time last year in the closing stages of the Championship title-winning campaign.
One too many mistakes from Perri, who has often not looked assured this season, has cost the Brazillian his place. The question is, has his penalty heroics been enough to convince Farke to stick with him and not Darlow when Leeds return to Premier League matters in just under a week's time with a game against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Farke's assessment of Perrir's display against West Ham suggests not. "I am delighted for Lucas, he's not had the easiest year," was the opening gambit from the Leeds boss. So far so good.
The issue is what followed.. Farke added; "He didn't have the game time he wished for. Lucas did have situations where he could have done better but to show resilience is a perfect example of how we should be."
The Leeds head coach was not really endorsing Perri's chances of a return to the number one shirt and there were mistakes outside f the shootout, with the Hammers' disallowed goal for offside sparing Perri some blushes.
He'll likely keep his place for the semi-final against Chelsea having played in the last three rounds, his only appearances since that Newcastle game.
There's no denying Perri has something about him and he's a big physical presence, but there's improvements to be made, as Farke knows.
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Former Leeds striker Jermaine Beckford, for one, is someone impressed by the man from Brazil. Speaking after the FA Cup win at West Ham, Beckford told TNT Sports; "What a goalkeeper. He’s Brazil’s number three; the two players that are ahead of him are Ederson and Alisson.
"When you look at the size of Lucas Perri, he’s humongous. His wingspan is humongous. He was standing in front of the goal, he was standing in front of the goal with his arms stretched above him and his wrists were almost touching the crossbar! Great penalty saving and great awareness.”
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