Igor Paixao reposts cryptic Instagram as Leeds United and Marseille battle for his signature

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Marseille are keen on Leeds United target Igor Paixao, with the pair locked in a battle for the Feyenoord winger’s signature.

It’s been reported previously that Leeds United opened talks with Paixao months ago, but the interest has become more serious in recent weeks as the 49ers look to add further to their six signings.

Leeds have hope despite Marseille’s Paixao interest. It’s been stated that Marseille looked close to striking an agreement recently but others believe Leeds have not given up on signing Paixao this summer.

Crunch talks between Paixao and Marseille have taken place in recent days in the wake of that. However, Marseille are £6 million away from the Paixao asking price.

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Leeds target Igor Paixao’s cryptic Instagram hints at Feyenoord stay

It’s been claimed in recent weeks that Paixao is happy to leave Feyenoord and Leeds are willing to pay more than Marseille after the latest reports this morning.

At one stage, it appeared as though Leeds had the green light from Paixao on one condition. However, the intricacies of this deal are complicated, given that Leeds are waiting on a final decision from Marseille.

The French giants are Paixao’s preference, potentially due to the fact they are in the UEFA Champions League next season. However, Roberto De Zerbi’s side are struggling to get a deal finalised.

Not only are Leeds willing to go higher than the Ligue 1 outfit, but 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 than move to either Leeds or Marseille.

That is as things stand and the situation is fluid and developing all the time, but Paixao’s cryptic Instagram story repost has maybe hinted that the latter reports about him remaining could be true.

It includes a montage of Paixao’s best moments for Feyenoord from the account footy_010_ and is captioned: “please stay “

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The comparison between Igor Paixao and Raphinha explained

Previously, Paixao has called Raphinha his role model and it’s now being claimed that Leeds are using Raphinha to persuade Paixao into coming to West Yorkshire in the current transfer window.

The comparisons are obvious in terms of position and nationality, but also in terms of playstyle, with both direct and explosive, while also having the X-factor and match-winning capabilities needed for a newly-promoted side.

Joining from one of the major leagues in Europe from a side who qualified for Europe, Paixao is similar to Raphinha leaving Rennes in the summer of 2020.

Leeds will hope that they are his destination by the end of the transfer window, and that Marseille fail to get a deal over the line, and Feyenoord cannot retain him. Their chance and belief has been growing but the Instagram post is a headscratcher.