Leeds United’s pursuit of Igor Paixao came to an end in recent days, with Marseille winning the race for the Feyenoord winger.
It’s a frustration for Leeds United and Daniel Farke, even if it was claimed that the Paixao deal was the ‘hardest’ of Leeds’ window to complete thus far.
In the end, Marseille matched Leeds’ bid of around €35 million for Paixao. They secured one Brazilian in Lucas Perri. However, Graham Smyth confirmed Leeds wanted a Brazilian trio.
That included Perri, Paixao, and Rodrigo Muniz. They would have been the match-winners in each box for Leeds but their pursuit of Paixao started months ago and they came out of it empty-handed.
Lucas Perri spent time trying to persuade Igor Paixao into Leeds move
It was even claimed that Leeds used Raphinha to persuade Paixao into coming to West Yorkshire. However, the full extent of their efforts has since been laid bare.
Speaking via The Yorkshire Evening Post, Graham Smyth explained that Sporting Director Adam Underwood, Managing Director Robbie Evans, and chairman Paraag Marathe went on a call with the Brazilian at one stage.
He adds that Underwood, Evans, and Alex Davies talked to the agents, while Farke also spoke to the Feyenoord winger directly.
Leeds fans will love Perri’s involvement the most, however. That’s because, before ever playing in a game — professional or pre-season — Perri has done something incredibly impressive with Leeds.
Smyth explains that, close to midnight, Paixao’s compatriot spent an hour chatting to him on the phone to try and help sell the move to Leeds over Marseille.
Of course, Olympique de Marseille and Olympique Lyonnais share a huge rivalry with one another. Perri has partaken in the “Choc des Olympiques” (battle of the Olympics) and that may have been extra motivation for him.
Just how close Leeds came to securing Paixao has since been explained to Leeds United News. One club source said that there was such optimism on Sunday that some at the club thought they had the deal done only for Marseille to steal in at the 11th hour.
Leeds United fans want Dodi Lukebakio instead of Igor Paixao
Leeds could instead turn to Dodi Lukebakio, with some sections of the Leeds fanbase already calling for Lukebakio as an alternative to Paixao.
It’s fair to say, like Paixao, Lukebakio would be a bigger signing than Jaka Bijol or Anton Stach if Leeds are interested and could pull it off.
That would be easier said than done as he is arguably Sevilla’s prized asset currently and Lukebakio would be perfect for Leeds’ starting lineup in the Premier League in 2025/26.
| Team/Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Sevilla – 2024/25 | 37 | 11 | 2 |
| Sevilla – 2023/24 | 27 | 5 | 1 |
| Hertha Berlin – 2022/23 | 33 | 12 | 3 |
A number of players have been linked to Leeds already, but not enough can help Leeds get up the pitch and out of trouble as attacking outlets through sheer pace and power.
Lukebakio has that but his goal return is also impressive since entering his peak years, illustrating that Leeds would be getting a multi-purpose forward and one who ticks a number of the right boxes.
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