Igor Paixao could be Leeds United’s eighth summer signing if they can beat AS Roma and Olympique Marseille to the Feyenoord winger’s signature.
Igor Paixao could be a potentially “transformational” signing for Daniel Farke and Leeds United, with the 49ers, Adam Underwood, Robbie Evans and co. having secured seven additions thus far.
Only one of the seven signings is an attacker, with Lukas Nmecha arriving on a free transfer from VfL Wolfsburg. It’s clear where the focus now needs to shift, but Leeds’ serious interest in Paixao has been present for well over a month.
A deal was made more complicated when Marseille then stepped up their Paixao interest, and it even looked as though Marseille might seal the signature of Paixao at a different stage just weeks later.
Leeds were not able to secure Igor Paixao but prepare £28 million bid instead
The allure of the Premier League cannot be underestimated, though. Not only that, but the finances involved in the English top flight also help and it’s been claimed Leeds have more to offer Feyenoord than Marseille.
The Ligue 1 giants had a ‘final’ Paixao bid rejected recently, although their interest didn’t disappear overnight in spite of that. Further talks were held and it was even claimed that Paixao prefers Marseille.
However, the latest update from Fabrizio Romano yesterday evening claimed that Leeds were ‘pushing with intention’ for Paixao, and ‘closing in’ on the deal. Things seem to be accelerating towards a conclusion.
However, Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports has shared a slightly less positive update. He claims that Feyenoord and Leeds were not able to come to an agreement on the opening bid. The good news is that Leeds are now upping that offer.
Feyenoord received a £26 million offer for Paixao but his claims on Twitter/X are that Leeds are ready to pay £28 million plus add-ons for Paixao and that negotiations are ongoing. Meanwhile, Marseille remain in talks and Roma continue to monitor the situation.
His colleague Zinny Boswell has added to that further by stating Leeds are “locked in negotiations with Feyenoord” for the 25-year-old and ready to increase their offer for the winger after the initial bid did not satisfy the Dutch club’s demands.
Graham Smyth reveals Daniel Farke’s view of the transfer window amid Leeds’ efforts for Paixao
After Sean Longstaff’s arrival, we revealed Leeds would sign at least six more players. They have since secured Anton Stach and Lucas Perri, leaving four more new signings providing there are no other serious outgoings.
Those are a winger, Rodrigo Muniz, full-back cover, and another more attack-minded midfielder. Paixao would tick the box of the former if wrapped up quickly, leaving just three more signings in the next five weeks of the window.
Leeds have momentum now, and each new face makes tempting the next one that bit easier. Farke’s verdict, per Graham Smyth, is that it has been “so far, so good.” He adds that the recruitment department are fulfilling what was planned “step by step.”
He adds that negotiations are ongoing with Feyenoord, who wanted more than the first offer for Paixao, while Marseille are struggling to match Leeds’ efforts currently.
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