What Igor Paixao has said about Raphinha as Leeds United try and bring him to Elland Road

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Leeds United are taking a keen look at Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao in what will be a signing of real ambition.

The Whites are staking their claim on this window with authority as Leeds look to land Paixao.

The 24-year-old has ripped the Eredivisie apart in the three seasons he’s been over there, and now he might be looking for a change.

Fans are very excited by Paixao’s signing, but a £34m asking price might be the thing that stands in Daniel Farke’s way.

It’s not certain this deal will happen, but what Paixao has said about former Leeds star Raphinha will only heighten fans’ desire to sign the Brazilian.

What Leeds United target Igor Paixao said about Raphinha

Farke’s signing of the tricky winger would send a serious message to Premier League opposition.

After 26 goal involvements this season, it’s clear to see why both Leeds and Brighton want to sign him.

The 49ers will be eager to make sure marquee players come through the door, but with a £100m budget, that could prove to be difficult.

Something could persuade the winger to join, though, and that’s his admiration of Barcelona’s Raphinha.

Of course, the winger was a revelation at Elland Road, and Paixao sees him as a role model.

Speaking to TNT Brasil, Paixao said: “Raphinha is an example for me and all of us Brazilians.”

As he looks up to the 28-year-old, could he maybe look to follow in his footsteps this summer?

READ MORE: Leeds United set to go ‘back in’ for £15m Championship striker this summer

How Paixao and Raphinha compare before links to Leeds

It’s known what Raphinha has gone on to do, as Thierry Henry fancies Raphinha for the Ballon d’Or.

Paixao will want to replicate his hero, and who’s to suggest a move to Elland Road wouldn’t happen with this clearly providing an excellent pathway.

But it’s interesting to see how similar the 24-year-old is to the Barcelona player, as when Raphinha was at Rennes, Paixao seems twice the player he was at a similar age.

This gives a clear insight into what the 49ers must do, as although a winger isn’t part of Leeds’ priority positions, signing Paixao could be their best chance at landing the next Raphinha.