Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s exciting verdict on Leeds United’s new Igor Paixao alternative

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Leeds United remain in the hunt for a new winger after failing to strike a deal for Igor Paixao, with Manor Solomon’s return to Tottenham Hotspur leaving a gaping hole on the left flank.

Largie Ramazani is “flying” in pre-season, according to Patrick Bamford, and Jack Harrison has returned to Leeds after two years at Everton, but Leeds are in the market for a left-sided winger this summer.

Paixao looked as though he would be that man. The Brazilian was open to joining Leeds, but preferred a move to Marseille. It meant that if Marseille could eventually agree a fee, Paixao would end up in France.

That is the case, with Marseille finally offering north of £30m for the wide man. Leeds are on the lookout for other options and one that has emerged is Fiorentina wide man Riccardo Sottil, after his Milan loan.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s verdict on Leeds target Riccardo Sottil

Fiorentina want rid of La Viola product Sottil after his return to the club this summer. His loan at Milan did not go to plan, managing just eight appearances and failing to score or create a single goal last season.

Signed on loan in January, Milan’s technical director and footballing legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave his verdict on Sottil, as quoted by Sempre Milan. Ibrahimovic said Sottil can play on both sides in attack

“Sottil always looks for one-on-ones, he can play on both wings, he is young and has room for growth. We must make them even stronger,” Ibrahimovic said, upon Sottil’s arrival at Milan back in January.

Daniel Farke’s Jack Harrison olive branch ends with Sottil signing

Earlier this summer, Farke told reporters that Harrison had a chance of re-asserting himself at Elland Road. A gap has opened on the left flank with Solomon returning to Spurs and Harrison has an opportunity.

But, the fanbase would still rather see Harrison sold and realistically, Harrison was poor over his two years at Everton. If Leeds can sign a better alternative, they will. Paixao is proof of that, going into August.

Harrison’s future remains in doubt and while Farke has offered him an olive branch, that could quickly snap if a winger is signed. Whether Sottil is an improvement on Harrison is another question altogether.