Leeds United’s pursuit of Igor Paixao continues to dominate the talk currently, with the Feyenoord winger also linked to Olympique Marseille.
Leeds United have put much of their efforts in the transfer window into sourcing defensive players and physically combative ones at that, but some more flair and excitement is required.
It’s been reported previously that Leeds opened talks with Paixao months ago. Now, Leeds have hope despite Marseille’s Paixao interest.
Despite the fact Marseille looked close to striking an agreement recently, they are not close to an agreement. Other sources state Marseille are £6 million away from the Paixao asking price.
Graham Smyth explains the Igor Paixao situation at Leeds
Paixao is happy to leave Feyenoord and Leeds are willing to pay more than Marseille after the latest updates in the last day. However, nothing has materialised since from either Leeds or Marseille.
The most recent updates include a cryptic post from Feyenoord’s Paixao on Instagram. Now, Graham Smyth has the latest via The Inside Elland Road Podcast
He said: “The latest we’re hearing on Igor Paixao is that a deal has not yet been struck between Feyenoord and Marseille.
“Despite all the noises coming out of France being that they’re close to agreeing a deal, we spoke to someone in Holland this morning who said as far as they’re aware had not yet been struck.
“And it’s still not imminent. So, Leeds United believe that there is a player to chase there — and they’ll continue to chase until there isn’t one to chase.
“But it is interesting that Marseille have not got a deal over the line yet. But we have been told by club sources there are other players on the list that are the same level as this player.
“But when you tell Leeds United fans that there is a Brazilian winger, coming in from Europe, who did really well last season in a top division, can score from distance.
“[It’s] very, very exciting. They want that player. They want that deal to happen. It’s really understandable that Leeds fans are so excited for this one.
“Everyone will hope that the Marseille thing stops or goes away, and they can actually get a deal done for this fella and bring him in. He would be one of their marquee signings. But they need difference makers up top; that much has been obvious in the Man United game.”
Marseille’s final offer has Paixao’s deal at a standstill. It’s why it has also been claimed recently that Paixao is more likely to remain at Feyenoord this summer.
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The exact reasons why Leeds are so desperate for Paixao
They have made progress on the deal, but Beren Cross believes Leeds have pitched to several wingers in recent weeks as well, just in case they fail to land their top target.
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 over some of their other shortlisted options.
Graham Smyth has provided more explanation of the reasons for Paixao. He said: “He is a difference maker. Leeds have acknowledged that their share of possession will be a lot smaller than in most of last season’s games.
“And though their main focus so far in this transfer window has been adding physicality and making themselves hard to play against, they will need to be clinical when they have the ball.
“Daniel Farke will still need players who can create something from nothing, in the way Raphinha did, to turn a few seconds of possession into danger and goals. He scores and he assists.”
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