Leeds United are closing in on a sixth summer signing in the form of Anton Stach, but there remains plenty to follow in the final month-and-a-half of the window.
After Leeds United confirmed Sean Longstaff’s arrival, Anton Stach should be next to follow. We explained that at least six additions will follow after Longstaff, including Stach.
Leeds appear to be gaining momentum, with the Everton clash now less than a month away. However, acquiring all of their ambitious targets has not proven to be a simple task in the market.
That is why there was disappointing news regarding Leeds’ pursuit of Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao last night, with Marseille suddenly swooping in to lead the race for the 25-year-old Brazilian winger.
Leeds target Igor Paixao and Graham Smyth development emerges
It’s been reported previously that Leeds opened talks with Paixao over a month ago now. Then in recent days, it was stated that Marseille were unwilling to meet Paixao’s asking price, which is over £30 million.
However, they have made progress on the deal, which explains why Beren Cross believes Leeds have pitched to several wingers in recent weeks.
That said, 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.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 37 | 9 | 6 |
| 2023/24 | 45 | 12 | 4 |
| 2024/25 | 47 | 18 | 19 |
Graham Smyth has provided a more positive update on the situation, offering Leeds hope in the race. Speaking via The Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “In Igor Paixao, Rodrigo Muniz, and Lucas Perri, they have targets who would put the gloss on the summer recruitment piece.
“Whether it’s all three or none, the players who complete the picture need to bring serious quality. There is hard work still to be done.
“But there is a quiet confidence around Elland Road that they’re off to a solid start both on and off the pitch.”
Since then, we spoke to Paixao’s agent Edson Toninello regarding the links to Marseille and whether a move to Leeds was now off the table. He said: “Not yet. Nothing is definite. Nothing is set.”
The current transfer situation regarding Leeds’ goalkeeper targets
Already this summer, there have been numerous goalkeepers linked with a move to Leeds. It looks as though serious progress is being made on that position currently.
There have been disagreements regarding goalkeeper targets behind the scenes, but Lyon’s Lucas Perri has been revealed as the likely chosen replacement for Illan Meslier.
Reports just last week revealed that Perri is Leeds’ top goalkeeper target this summer, and he looks poised to leave Lyon.
Despite Lyon avoiding relegation to Ligue 2, it appears Leeds’ priority remains the Brazilian goalkeeper. The Paixao developments are positive, but as are the persistent links to Perri.
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