One of Leeds United’s star summer signings is taking legal action against a former club, according to foreign media reports.
Despite missing out on Harry Wilson in a frustrating end to the summer transfer window, Daniel Farke signed 10 new players as Leeds spent over £100 million to overhaul their squad ahead of their return to the Premier League.
Lucas Perri was one of Leeds’ biggest signings of the season, as the Whites paid a fee in the region of £14 million to sign the goalkeeper from Lyon. However, the Brazilian has endured a shaky start to his time at Elland Road and will miss the game against Fulham through injury.
Now, Perri appears set for another off-field battle as he recovers from his injury, following reports in the foreign press that he is taking legal action against his former club, Botafogo, for several unpaid fees.
Photo by Tim Clayton/Getty ImagesLeeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri is pursuing legal action against Botafogo
According to a report in the Brazilian publication O Globo, Perri has filed a lawsuit against Botafogo to recover “labour debts” which he believes he is owed from his time at the club.
The report states: “Lucas Perri filed a lawsuit in the 65th Labour Court of Rio de Janeiro, last Thursday, charging R$2,834,964.68 [approximately £388,000] from Alvinegro for labour debts.
“The first hearing in the case is scheduled for November 5th. In the lawsuit, the goalkeeper’s defence is demanding image rights, FGTS (Unemployment Fund), and outstanding severance payments.”
A subsequent report from the French website FootMercato adds: “Perri has filed a lawsuit against SAF Botafogo for breaches of contractual obligations and labour rights between 2024 and August 2025.
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“The 27-year-old player and his lawyers attempted to resolve the dispute amicably with SAF, according to defence lawyers. However, this was unsuccessful.”
Perri made 54 appearances for Botafogo, having joined the club from São Paolo in 2022. He left to join Lyon two years later, spending one year in France before moving to West Yorkshire.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesWhen will Lucas Perri return for Leeds United?
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the Fulham game, Daniel Farke admitted that Perri could face several weeks on the sidelines after a scan confirmed he had suffered a muscle strain.
Karl Darlow will make his first Premier League appearance in four years in Perri’s absence and could be set for an extended run in the Leeds side.
Leeds United’s next five fixtures:
- 13th September – Fulham (A)
- 20th September – Wolves (A)
- 27th September – Bournemouth (H)
- 4th October – Spurs (H)
- 18th October – Burnley (A)
Farke stated that Perri will miss at least the game against Fulham and Leeds’ next away game, which sees them travel to face Wolves on the 20th September in a crucial game for their survival hopes.
The Leeds boss will be desperate to have Perri available for their next home game against Bournemouth at the end of September, as the Whites enter a critical period of the season.