Leeds United look to be in the final straight regarding their pursuit of Olympique Marseille target Igor Paixao of Feyenoord.
The saga continues to drag out, as Leeds United opened talks with Igor Paixao months ago. Then, for some time now, there have been claims made that Paixao prefers a transfer to Marseille over Leeds.
That came after Roberto De Zerbi’s side entered the race for Paixao, but Leeds always had hope despite Marseille’s Paixao interest. It’s even been stated that Marseille looked close to striking an agreement recently.
However, the French giants have been struggling to get things moving in terms of a transfer, with Marseille around £6 million away from the Paixao asking price at one stage.
Marseille make one final effort to sign Leeds target Igor Paixao
It’s been claimed in recent weeks that Paixao is happy to leave Feyenoord and Leeds are willing to pay more than Marseille as well, after Marseille’s last offer had Paixao’s deal stalling and at a standstill.
It’s allowed Daniel Farke’s side to steal a march and Paixao is “really close” to joining Leeds, according to Fabrizio Romano and other Dutch outlets.
Leeds offered £28 million plus add-ons for Paixao on Saturday, but then further claims over a “done deal” between Leeds and Feyenoord emerged.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2022/23 | 37 | 9 | 6 |
| 2023/24 | 45 | 12 | 4 |
| 2024/25 | 47 | 18 | 19 |
However, the saga is not yet over. According to French outlet L’Equipe, Marseille are planning one final bid for the player.
A new offer will be made by the Ligue 1 outfit, although the report states that they continue to work on other potential targets as well.
Feyenoord are said to want close to €35 million for the player, which Leeds are roughly offering with add-ons. Marseille are set to raise their offer in one last ditch attempt, but matching Leeds has been difficult thus far.
Igor Paixao spotted in Brazil despite Leeds and Marseille interest
Even with all the interest, Paixao is not in the Netherlands, the UK, or France. It means that, even if a deal is imminent to secure his future, the Brazilian is not ready to complete a medical as quickly as possible.
That’s because he remains in his native country. Paixao is currently in Brazil, recovering from an injury, and not on pre-season tour with Feyenoord currently.
As seen in an Instagram story from a close family member, it appears Paixao is about to head somewhere in Europe. That is because the translation reads as: “I’m going to miss you. Goodbyes are always horrible for me.”
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
