Leeds United’s fans are desperately wanting to find out who the club are set to pursue in the transfer market after missing out on a deal to sign Feyenoord’s mercurial winger Igor Paixao.
With Adam Underwood’s list of priorities now down to just two this summer, Leeds are still in the market for a left-sided attacker after Manor Solomon returned to Tottenham and Paixao chose a Marseille move.
Paixao, who had a hand in 37 goals and assists for Feyenoord last season, has always preferred a move to Marseille. He would have been happy to join Leeds, had Feyenoord and Marseille failed to agree a fee.
That looked like it might be the case, that Leeds would be able to stretch Marseille too far financially. But, Marseille have now agreed a £30.3m fee with Feyenoord and Paixao looks set for a move to Ligue 1.
Meanwhile, Leeds are left in the lurch. Fans are wondering who will be targeted after Paixao and one option is Leicester City starlet Bilal El Khannouss. But the competition is growing for the Morocco star.
Leeds re-open Sunderland transfer rivalry for Bilal El Khannouss
At the beginning of the summer window, it seemed Sunderland were copying Leeds’ homework. Simply paying more than Leeds for players that Leeds had made moves for, like Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.
Of course, both clubs were always going to be linked with the same players having just been promoted. But not to that extent. Reinildo Mandava, another Sunderland signing, was one Leeds held talks to sign.
Now, according to TalkSPORT, Sunderland are among the clubs interested in 21-year-old El Khannouss. Interest is growing in the former Genk attacker, with a £22.5m relegation release clause now emerging.
Angus Kinnear battle and Crysencio Summerville concern
Leeds and Sunderland are not the only clubs eyeing a move for the Moroccan, either. Crystal Palace are keen to add depth ahead of a European campaign, while Everton and West Ham are also interested.
Everton, now under the upstairs guidance of Angus Kinnear, need to replace the loss of Jack Harrison while West Ham need something to get excited about after a dreadful 2024-25 campaign, finishing 14th.
Crysencio Summerville also endured a stuttering season, and he will be concerned by the news that West Ham are eyeing a left-sided winger. There are also suggestions that Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli are keen.
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