Leeds United still want to sign Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao, but Olympique Marseille also remain in the mix for the Dutch Player of the Year.
Last season in the Championship, Leeds United spread the goals around their attack well, with seven players in the squad hitting more than 10 goal involvements in total.
The onus this summer has been on more physically combative players of real size. However, one source spoke to Leeds United News and claimed “Paixao would be a transformational level of signing” for the Whites this summer.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 37 | 9 | 6 |
| 2023/24 | 45 | 12 | 4 |
| 2024/25 | 47 | 18 | 19 |
Paixao is hitting the prime of his career at the age of 25 and is hugely exciting in terms of his volume of goal contributions. He is not likely to be cheap but Leeds cannot afford to not sprinkle some stardust on top of the current squad.
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Marseille remain far apart in Igor Paixao pursuit
The Feyenoord winger is also a potential Manor Solomon replacement if he joins the club from the Eredivisie, and full Leeds approval of Paixao has since been given in recent days.
It’s been reported previously that Leeds opened talks with Paixao over a month ago now but the French giants are also involved. It was reported that Marseille cannot and will not meet Paixao’s asking price.
In recent weeks, it’s been stated that Paixao is happy to leave Feyenoord for a new challenge this summer. Crunch talks between Paixao and Marseille are planned today in the wake of that.
Feyenoord want £30 million for Paixao, which would make him a major signing this summer. However, Marseille looked close to striking an agreement recently but others believe Leeds have not given up on signing Paixao this summer just yet.
Now, Paixao’s move to Marseille has stalled, with the coming days thought to be crucial in deciding where the Brazilian ends up this summer. Leeds are pushing for Paixao despite his injury concern.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins states: “Potentially decisive day in the Igor Paixao case with an important meeting.
“Marseille – currently on a training camp in the Netherlands – has already submitted an offer of around £24 million to Feyenoord. The player has given his approval to the Marseille management. Five-year contract.”
The key takeaway from this latest update is that Marseille are still some way below the £30 million asking price which has been set. If they cannot make the demands, Leeds could swoop in.
Despite Leeds needing to be cautious with splitting their transfer budget this summer, you imagine that sort of price is one they will be more than willing to meet for a player of his quality.
Raphinha’s influence on Igor Paixao’s potential Leeds switch
Previously, Paixao has called Raphinha his role model, which gives Leeds a potential way in. That’s because of the latest from Graham Smyth in The Yorkshire Evening Post.
He wrote: “Leeds United still believe there is mileage in a pursuit of Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, despite reports of Marseille’s progress towards a deal.
“The Whites earmarked the Brazilian as a potential difference maker for Daniel Farke’s squad in the Premier League
“Leeds are known to be using Raphinha’s career progression and the part played by his fruitful time at Elland Road as part of their attempts to attract Paixao and others this summer.”
That pathway is a potential selling point for Leeds in the race, especially with Marseille’s slow progress in securing the 25-year-old.
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