Graham Smyth says Igor Paixao can take Leeds United to ‘another level’, but there’s a catch

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Leeds United have serious Igor Paixao hope ahead of the competition for the Feyenoord winger.

Despite the 49ers and Daniel Farke bringing in seven players already, they are still intent on adding more to a Leeds United forward line lacking a bit of X-factor.

It’s been a rollercoaster of a transfer saga for the 25-year-old, as it looked as though Paixao would green light a move to Leeds before the likes of Marseille entered the race for Paixao by registering serious interest.

Then, it even appeared as though Marseille might seal the signature of Paixao at a later date just weeks later. However, crucially, Leeds have the ability to offer Feyenoord more than Marseille.

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Graham Smyth believes Igor Paixao is Leeds’ hardest deal to secure

For a while now, claims have been made that Paixao prefers Marseille, who are in the UEFA Champions League next season. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case, as it’s also been claimed Paixao is “really close” to joining Leeds on Saturday evening.

It’s certainly not a done deal just yet but Marseille had a ‘final’ Paixao bid rejected amid the Feyenoord winger re-posting cryptic Instagram content regarding his future last week.

Feyenoord received a £26 million offer from Leeds for Paixao in that time. It’s since been rejected but it’s also been confirmed that Leeds offered £28 million plus add-ons for Paixao yesterday.

Graham Smyth has spoken to Leeds supporters on Twitter/X about the nature of the move, with a move to West Yorkshire certainly edging closer for the Brazilian ace.

He said: “My gut can’t be heard over the pounding of my heart. Scores goals from nothing and takes good corners. He’d take what is already very good window to another level.”

However, it’s a difficult deal to secure, even if Leeds appear to now be frontrunners. He added: “Feels like if there’s a pole position Leeds are in it, as it stands. Count no chickens. Hardest deal to do so far.”

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How far apart are Leeds and Feyenoord in Paixao talks?

At the start of the window, it was claimed Feyenoord wanted around €40 million (circa. £34 million) for Paixao. However, the details of Leeds’ add-ons are unclear currently.

If the £28 million bid has £4-6 million of achievable add-ons, then it’s clear why Leeds are seen as being in pole position, with very little difference in what’s been bid and what he is valued at.

Following their last bid, it was claimed Marseille were roughly £6 million away from Paixao’s asking price. Leeds are far closer if they have made a second bid of that nature.

It’s not yet a done deal, but he would be the club’s most expensive transfer of the summer transfer window. Paixao would also be the most exciting addition, despite the impressive captures of Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol, and more.