Lucas Perri joined Torino from Leeds United late in the summer transfer window. After an initial period of struggle, things are falling into place for the Brazilian.
Sport Witness tracked how the Whites were being accused of delaying a transfer throughout the summer. They even created an auction for him, as Marseille joined the race.
This allowed Leeds United to execute a favourable deal, as Torino offered an option to buy of €16m in the loan deal.
Initially, Perri made several errors in his ongoing spell. He was being criticised for it in the Italian press, as Il Toro weren’t winning games either. Now, things are getting back on track.
Player finally finding his feet
Torino racked up an impressive 3-0 win over Parma on Monday evening. Perri started in goal, keeping a clean-sheet, which was the first of his spell at the Granata so far. The Brazilian made a huge save in the first-half, denying David Romero and keeping his side in the lead.
After the win, manager Ignazio Abate had praise for the Leeds United loanee, sympathising that he had to settle in quickly.
While also praising Perri’s attitude, he told Sky – via Gianluca Di Marzio:
“Perri arrived in the last few days [of the window]. He arrived after an injury, he wasn’t in perfect shape. He arrived in a new country and a new league, it’s not easy.”
“He’s always had the utmost confidence, he’s a serious guy who works.”
Praise also came from Giovanni Simeone, whose brace was key to Il Toro getting a vital win.
The Argentine told Sky – via CuoreToro: “Perri played a great match. He’s too big, when he’s in goal you don’t know where to shoot.”
Perri himself spoke to DAZN about the game, and thanked Torino coaches for his turnaround.
The Brazilian said – via ToroNews: “I’m very happy with the victory, we deserved this clean sheet. I have to thank the goalkeeping coaches, who worked hard with me and the others. We deserved it.”
Revival was a matter of time
As Abate mentioned, Perri came to Turin after having not played much in pre-season for Leeds United due to injury. This impacted things a lot, especially for someone who has never played in Italy before.
Despite struggles, the Italian stuck by him and that helped the 28-year-old a lot. That isn’t the sort of trust he enjoyed at Elland Road last season.
Leeds United would now hope things keep improving from here and the player is signed permanently.
