With the halfway stage in the transfer window soon approaching, Leeds United have made six signings. Adam Underwood and Daniel Farke have combined to sort out the defence and midfield.
Gabriel Gudmundsson has replaced Junior Firpo, Sebastiaan Bornauw’s arrival allowed Max Wober to go and Jaka Bijol fills a gap often left by Pascal Struijk alongside Joe Rodon. Then, two new midfield signings.
Sean Longstaff was eventually signed after four bids, while Anton Stach is the most-expensive of the lot. The two-time Germany international has cost Leeds an initial £17.3m, potentially rising to a big £19.9m.
Lukas Nmecha has been brought in to provide cover up front, and he scored the fourth of a 4-1 win over SC Verl on Tuesday. Solid work by Farke and Underwood, but plenty more to do before the deadline.
What Igor Paixao thought of Leeds United presentation
Leeds need a striker, a goalkeeper and a replacement for Manor Solomon. The priority target for the latter is Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao, as Leeds wait to see the result of Marseille’s bid to win the race for Paixao.
Reports say Leeds are willing to spend £26m to sign Paixao, while Marseille’s bid for the winger is only a measly £24m. Numerous outlets suggest a price tag for Paixao is in the region of £30m this summer.
Dutch sources say Feyenoord believe there is more chance Paixao remains with De Kuip than joining Marseille. He has four years remaining on his contract, after joining the club under Arne Slot back in 2022.
But, the Yorkshire Evening Post claim that Paixao was impressed by Leeds’ presentation to him earlier this month. In terms of actually wanting to join Leeds, Paixao is tempted by the lure of the Premier League.
Leeds are said to be using the example of Raphinha as a tool to tempt Paixao to Elland Road, the story of how a fellow Brazilian winger used Leeds as a springboard to become a Ballon d’Or contender at Barca.
Liverpool star Cody Gakpo is good, but Igor Paixao is better
Paixao is a serious talent. Graham Smyth says on the YEP’s website that Leeds see Paixao as a difference maker and while Leeds have targeted big, physical players, there is a need for a player to change games.
Last season, the Brazilian sensation had a hand in 37 goals for Feyenoord. To put that into perspective from a Leeds point of view, Manor Solomon managed 23 for Leeds. Joel Piroe tallied up 26 involvements.
Such is the quality of Paixao that former Feyenoord boss Rob Jacobs told 1908.nl in March that he felt Paixao is a better player than Liverpool and Netherlands superstar Cody Gakpo, quite the statement.
He said: “I really think he makes Liverpool stronger. Arne Slot should also enjoy his development. Cody Gakpo is of course also a fantastic player and is doing well at Liverpool, but I think Paixao is better.”
So, well worth the money if Leeds can achieve a deal. But Paixao is said to have agreed personal terms with Marseille, unsurprising given they have qualified for the Champions League. One to keep an eye on.
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