What Leeds United sources are saying about potential signings Riccardo Sottil and Ajax attacker

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United fans are desperate to see who the club will now target when it comes to signing a new winger, after Adam Underwood’s transfer team lost out to Marseille in the battle for Igor Paixao.

LeedsUnited.News understands that many at Leeds thought a deal for Paixao was as good as done. That comes after Leeds had received an email on Saturday, stating Feyenoord had accepted their £30.2m bid.

But Leeds are now out of the picture after Marseille matched Leeds’ offer. Paixao always preferred a move to Marseille but was open to joining Leeds. If he had the choice of both, he was always going to France.

Paixao is off to Marseille, with Leeds left in the lurch. Jack Harrison has returned and at the moment, is filling the void left by Manor Solomon. But Leeds want a better option with Paixao being the example.

• READ MORE: Junior Firpo delivers verdict on Sunderland’s transfer business as Granitr Xhaka joins

Leeds United linked with wingers Riccardo Sottil and Mika Godts

Following the news regarding Paixao, Leeds have been linked with Italian ace Riccardo Sottil. The winger has returned to Fiorentina this summer after a poor, half-season loan at Milan. He played just eight times.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a big fan of Sottil, but the Italian is set to leave Fiorentina. Indeed, Sottil has been left behind from Fiorentina’s trip to England and Leeds are said to have held talks to land the winger.

Elsewhere, Leeds have also been touted with Ajax talent Mika Godts. The 20-year-old Belgian had a hand in 15 goals for Ajax during 2024-25 and on social media, has been loosely linked with a move to Leeds.

Graham Smyth shares what sources say about Sottil and Godts

The drop from Paixao to Sottil and Godts is sizable. A player that was going to cost north of £30m, having a hand in more than 30 goals and assists over the last 12 months, and right at the top of his game.

Compared to Sottil who needs a kickstart, and Godts who is still largely unproven having only played 67 times for Ajax at senior level. If they are to make a signing, Leeds need to sign better than what they have.

Whether that opportunity presents itself again after Paixao, remains to be seen. Leeds sources say Paixao was a top, top player with huge potential and one Leeds felt was a game changer, he ticked all the boxes.