Earlier this week, it looked as if Leeds United might make their most expensive signing of the summer in Feyenoord’s Brazilian star Igor Paixao, as a replacement for Manor Solomon.
Paixao has been strongly linked with Leeds throughout the summer and it has been claimed that this week, Leeds presented their case to the winger’s camp in an attempt to convince him to join Leeds.
He wouldn’t be the first big-money winger to arrive at Elland Road from Feyenoord. Luis Sinisterra made the same move in the summer of 2022, before he was one of eight to use Victor Orta’s clause a year later.
Then, another twist. Marseille agreed personal terms with Paixao and the chances of Leeds landing him seemed dead. On Sunday, there is hope for Leeds as the latest update emerges regarding his situation.
Igor Paixao waiting on Marseille and Feyenoord agreement
The fleet-footed Brazilian may have agreed a move to join Roberto De Zerbi’s Ligue 1 side, but the two clubs in question are yet to agree a fee. It is believed a fee in the region of £35m is likely to get it done.
A tall order for clubs that do not boast the kind of finances that comes with being a Premier League side. But, Marseille are pushing and a result of talks could emerge today, with Marseille ready to go elsewhere.
That is according to Dutch journalist Mikos Gouka. He says Marseille’s sporting director Mehdi Benatia will meet his Feyenoord equivalent Dennis te Kloese to try and thrash out an agreement over a fee.
However, Gouka reports that if a deal cannot be reached between the clubs by the close of play today, then Marseille will pursue other targets and hand Leeds the initiative to get a deal done for Paixao.
He wrote on X: “Benatia will meet with Te Kloese later today in an attempt to secure Igor Paixao. The club has not reached an agreement with Feyenoord. If that doesn’t happen today, the French will move on.”
Why Leeds are desperate to do a deal to sign Igor Paixao…
It comes after Graham Smyth listed Paixao as one of three priorities the club are working on. All three are from Brazil, with Paixao potentially joining fellow countrymen Rodrigo Muniz and Lucas Perri at Leeds.
Last season, Paixao had a hand in 37 goals. To put that into perspective, Leeds’ best offering was Joel Piroe with a total of 26 goals and assists. The man he is replacing, Solomon, managed 23 involvements.
That form has seen Paixao linked with a move to Arsenal, before they signed Noni Madueke. Leeds and Marseille seem to be in a head-to-head race and while Paixao may prefer Marseille, Leeds are waiting.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
