Leeds United’s chances of signing Igor Paixao are all but over after Marseille and Feyenoord agreed a fee for the Brazilian winger, after some long-winded negotiations.
Paixao was always open to a move to Elland Road this summer, and Leeds were willing to pay a bigger fee than Marseille. But Paixao preferred Marseille, a side that will be in next season’s Champions League.
It all hinged on Marseille and Feyenoord agreeing a fee and they’ve done that. On Monday, reports said that the two clubs had finally agreed a fee for Paixao, with Marseille tabling a £30m offer for the winger.
Leeds then, are left in the lurch. They need to find themselves a left-sided winger before the start of the season when The Whites host Everton and one option is now available, thanks to Paixao joining Marseille.
Marseille make Leeds target available after Paixao arrival
Last summer, Leeds prioritised a deal for Jonathan Rowe. The England U21 star has sparkled for Norwich in 2023-24, and Daniel Farke wanted to raid his old side for the attacker – but he chose to join Marseille.
After a difficult season in which he lacked much game time, Rowe has been linked with a move to Leeds again. With a cross now next to Paixao’s name, Leeds will be looking at their shortlist of options, again.
Paixao’s move to Marseille pushes Rowe further down the pecking order and according to CalcioMercato, Marseille have slapped a £17m price tag on his head. Paixao’s move then, could see Leeds sign Rowe.
Jonathan Rowe admits he is finding life difficult at Marseille
Leeds held talks for Rowe in 2024, a winger that Shane Duffy once described as “magic” at Norwich. It is conceivable that Leeds go back in for Rowe, with Marseille open to an exit having secured Paixao.
Towards the end of the season, Rowe discussed his first year at Marseille and spoke about the difficulties of not playing regularly since his big move to the French giants: “It’s been difficult for me personally.
“I’ve been left out of the starting XI a lot of times. Obviously, it has affected me a bit – a lot of people can see that. I’ve carried on, even though I’ve been down some days,” Rowe added, in an interview in April.
With Rowe’s game time already under the microscope and now Paixao set to reduce that further, Leeds could take advantage and lure a long-term target to Yorkshire. Leeds are also considering Riccardo Sottil.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
