Perico came close to signing for Leeds this summer, but has since found a new club.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Leeds United were active in the transfer market this summer, adding 11 first team players to the squad.
One player who came very close to joining, only to miss out, was Italian defender Gabriele Perico.
Perico was a free agent after being released by Cesena in June, and played previously for Leeds owner Massimo Cellino’s previous club Cagliari.
Leeds United owner Massimo Cellino watches from the stands
He was a player recommended to head coach Garry Monk, who agreed to take him on trial, but was not suitably impressed enough to offer the right-back a contract.
This was despite Monk telling the club’s official Twitter page Perico started and played 45 minutes of the friendly win over Atalanta: “He’s been great this week and today was a good chance to have a look at him. He did well.”
Perico was willing to up root from Italy to join Leeds, but the Whites did not offer the 32-year-old a deal.
Leeds United players celebrate after the match
The club went on to sign Bristol City full-back Luke Ayling a fortnight later, strengthening their defensive options.
As for Perico, he did eventually find a club, back in Italy.
He signed with Serie B side Salernitana, who finished a lowly 18th in the division last season.
The former Italy under-20 international only clinched his move on transfer deadline day and so is yet to make an appearance for his new side.
While all at Leeds will surely wish him every success, he is not a player they will likely regret missing out on, with Ayling a younger option who is more familiar with the division.
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