Leeds United were left frustrated when Igor Paixao chose Marseille over Elland Road last summer despite Feyenoord indicating they were prepared to accept their offer.
Less than a year later, Marseille are willing to listen to offers worth around £30m amid interest from Roma. His first season in France suggests Leeds will have to think twice before revisiting the move.
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Leeds believed they had put themselves in a strong position to sign Paixao after receiving confirmation that Feyenoord were prepared to accept their bid for the winger, during a friendly against Paderborn.
The move ultimately collapsed when Marseille agreed their own deal with Feyenoord, with Paixao later explaining that choosing the French club over Leeds was an “easy question” because of Marseille’s size.
Roma interest has emerged after just one season
That decision looked entirely justified at the time, but the picture has changed quickly. Roma are now among the clubs interested in Paixao, with Marseille ready to sell for £30m according to Gazzetta DS.
For a player signed to be a major attacking figure, the willingness to entertain offers after one season inevitably raises questions. Clubs do not usually consider moving on from expensive signings so quickly.
It would be unfair to describe him as a failure, but the numbers suggest he has not matched expectations created by his final season at Feyenoord. He managed six goals and five assists in 30 league appearances.
Those are respectable figures, but they fall short of the level that persuaded Marseille to invest heavily in him. Before leaving Rotterdam, he was established as one of the best outside Europe’s top-five leagues.
His season was also interrupted by fitness issues. Records show a lengthy muscle injury absence, while a later calf problem also disrupted his campaign, making it difficult for him to build consistent momentum.
At £30m, Igor Paixao is still worth every penny 💵
You'd take him even after last summer, right Leeds fans?
Why Leeds should think carefully before making another move
Leeds were understandably disappointed to miss out on Paixao last year. At the time, he looked like exactly the type of winger capable of transforming an attack.
A year later, the situation looks different. A player valued at around £30m who has produced six goals and five assists in Ligue 1 while also dealing with injury setbacks does not represent the same level of certainty he appeared to offer when leaving Feyenoord.
There is still clear talent there and Roma’s interest demonstrates that clubs remain convinced by his potential. However, Leeds should be cautious about revisiting a transfer that would still require a significant financial commitment.
Missing out on Paixao felt like a major blow in 2025. Based on what has happened since, it may now look more like a near miss than a missed opportunity.
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