Torino’s defensive rebuild under new head coach Ignazio Abate is gathering pace, with the Serie A club closing in on two centre-backs while a proposed deal for Leeds United goalkeeper Lucas Perri has encountered obstacles.
According to Sport Mediaset, Switzerland international Eray Comert is expected in Turin on Tuesday to undergo a medical. The 26-year-old former Valencia defender is available as a free agent after his contract with the La Liga side expired. While earlier reports linked Lazio with a move for Comert, Torino have emerged as frontrunners for the Swiss centre-back’s signature.
The Granata are also in advanced negotiations with Fiorentina regarding Pietro Comuzzo. The proposed arrangement would see the defender join on an initial loan with an option to buy for approximately €20 million at the season’s end.
Perri transfer stalls
While defensive reinforcements progress, Torino’s pursuit of goalkeeper Lucas Perri has stalled. Leeds United have not granted the Brazilian permission to travel for medical examinations due to unresolved details regarding agent commission, reports indicate.
The delay marks a shift from earlier reports suggesting the deal was close to completion. Perri joined Leeds just twelve months ago from Olympique Lyon in a €16 million transfer but struggled during his sole season at Elland Road, conceding 29 goals in 16 Premier League appearances and keeping only three clean sheets.
Previous reports suggested Leeds were confident of securing James Trafford from Manchester City as Perri’s replacement, which would have facilitated the Brazilian’s departure to the Stadio Grande Torino. However, with the Perri deal now on hold pending resolution of commission issues, Trafford’s potential arrival remains uncertain.
New era under Abate
These recruitment efforts precede Ignazio Abate’s tenure as Torino head coach for the 2026-27 season. The former AC Milan defender, who led Juve Stabia to the Serie B play-offs last term, will inherit a squad undergoing significant defensive restructuring.
Should the Comert and Comuzzo deals conclude successfully, Abate will have multiple new options at centre-back when he takes charge in Turin, regardless of whether the club eventually secures Perri’s services between the posts.