Another domino falls into place for Leeds United and ‘transformational’ Igor Paixao after major news out of Feyenoord

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Leeds United are now turning their attentions to more attacking players after sourcing three defenders already this summer.

There is still major surgery required to get this Leeds United squad into Premier League shape for the 49ers and Daniel Farke, and with a month-and-a-half to go in the transfer window.

Leeds are being linked to numerous players currently, but more concrete targets have become clearer in recent weeks following the arrivals of Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Gabriel Gudmundsson.

One of Leeds’ key targets has emerged as Igor Paixao, via Graham Smyth. The Feyenoord winger is an exciting Brazilian, with Paixao winning Dutch Footballer of the Year.

Paixao could be Leeds’ Georginio Rutter with the Feyenoord winger also a potential Manor Solomon replacement if he joins the club from the Eredivisie.

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Feyenoord line up Paixao replacement amid interest from Leeds

It’s been reported previously that Leeds opened talks with Paixao over a month ago now but full Leeds approval of Paixao has since been given in recent days.

However, despite Leeds’ reported interest, Arsenal are also keen on Paixao, as well as Bayer Leverkusen keeping tabs on Paixao in the summer transfer market.

More recently than those clubs, Aston Villa have been linked to Paixao. Fortunately, Marseille cannot and will not meet Paixao’s asking price, which is over £30 million.

At one stage, it appeared Paixao might even green light Leeds’ interest after talks. However, nothing then materialised for a player who enjoyed a sensational campaign in the Netherlands last term.

In the last few days, it’s been stated that Paixao is happy to leave Feyenoord for a new challenge this summer. His mind could be further made up by the latest development with the Dutch giants.

Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna states that an agreement has been reached between Feyenoord and FC Porto for Goncalo Borges. He adds that medical tests are scheduled for the winger who can operate on the left or right.

He could well be Paixao’s replacement already in the door, if Feyenoord are indeed confident of selling him this summer. Leeds could be the benefactors yet.

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Leeds say Paixao would be “transformational” — here’s why

Last season in the Championship, Leeds spread the goals around their attack well, with seven players in the squad hitting more than 10 goal involvements in total.

Joel Piroe (26), Manor Solomon (23), and Dan James (21) were the only players to hit 20+ in all competitions. However, the Premier League is undoubtedly a step up and how that translates for each player isn’t exactly clear.

The onus this summer has been on more physically combative players of real size. However, one source claimed “Paixao would be a transformational level of signing” for the Whites this summer.

Leeds know they need a few special players who have genuine X-factor to be final-third differentials, and Paixao has to be considered as someone like that.

His output has improved with every season the Brazilian has played in the Netherlands, and his match-winning ability is required alongside Leeds’ team of giants.

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.

Given the volume of interest, he also won’t come cheap. That’s despite the fact Paixao has two years remaining on his Feyenoord contract this summer.