🟡 Leeds United Transfer Blow: Igor Paixão Set for Marseille Move, But All Is Not Lost
Leeds United’s return to the Premier League was always going to require careful and calculated squad building. With Daniel Farke at the helm and 49ers Enterprises backing the club financially, Leeds fans hoped this summer would deliver a balance of steel, depth, and flair. One such player identified to bring the flair and unpredictability was Igor Paixão of Feyenoord — a Brazilian winger who lit up the Eredivisie in 2024/25 and was seen as a genuine difference-maker.
But after a month-long pursuit and growing optimism from Elland Road, it now appears that Paixão will be heading to France instead of Yorkshire, with Olympique Marseille closing in on a deal worth around €35 million including bonuses. The latest reports suggest the player has already agreed personal terms and will soon sign a long-term contract running until 2030 at the Stade Vélodrome.
This development, while disappointing for Leeds, is not disastrous. It is a missed opportunity, but not a fatal blow to their summer window. Let’s explore the situation in full detail, from the profile of the player Leeds wanted, to the alternatives that could be pursued — and why the club can still emerge from this window in a stronger position.
🔥 Who Is Igor Paixão and Why Did Leeds Want Him?
Igor Paixão is not just another winger with flair — he’s an elite-level attacking talent, proven at one of the top clubs in the Netherlands. At Feyenoord, he’s been a driving force behind their attacking play for two seasons. In 2024/25, his consistency and explosiveness were recognized as he was named Dutch Footballer of the Year, outperforming numerous big-name players in the Eredivisie.
🧠 What Makes Paixão Special?
Position: Primarily a left winger, but comfortable cutting in from the right
Style of Play: Direct dribbler, quick feet, high energy, excellent close control
Output: Regular double-digit goals and assists in league play
Mentality: Strong work ethic, adaptable, tactically flexible
Age: Just 25, entering his prime
His skillset made him an ideal candidate for a Leeds side looking to inject flair and productivity in the final third. In a league where transition play, pressing, and counter-attacks matter deeply — especially for newly promoted teams — Paixão would have fit seamlessly.
🗣️ The Leeds Pursuit: From Hope to Heartbreak
Leeds reportedly began talks with Paixão and his camp more than a month ago. They were encouraged by the player’s willingness to explore a Premier League move and the fact that Feyenoord were prepared to sell, provided their valuation was met.
In recent weeks, multiple reports from the likes of Beren Cross indicated that Leeds had internally green-lit a move for Paixão, with the club’s hierarchy fully supportive of making him a marquee addition.
At one point, Leeds were even considered frontrunners due to Marseille’s reluctance to pay over €30 million, giving the Elland Road club a brief opening. However, those hopes quickly faded as Marseille upped their bid, effectively pricing Leeds out of the race.
The decisive moment came in mid-July, when Santi Aouna and Fabrizio Romano both confirmed that Marseille and Feyenoord had agreed on a deal close to €35 million — surpassing the Dutch club’s original valuation and solidifying the French side’s position.
🇫🇷 Why Marseille Won Out
Several factors worked in Marseille’s favour:
- European Football – Marseille are in the Europa League, offering continental exposure
- Bigger Immediate Budget – Marseille were prepared to spend more up front than Leeds
- Ligue 1 Appeal to South Americans – Brazil-to-France is a more established pathway
- Assurances of Role – Reports suggest Paixão was promised a starting role on arrival
While Leeds had Premier League football to offer — a significant pull — they were always operating with a carefully managed budget across multiple priority positions.
⚽ Leeds’ Current Winger Situation
Despite the setback, it’s important to remember that Leeds do have depth on the wings. While not necessarily world-beaters, the current group is functional and Premier League-capable:
✅ Current Wingers at Leeds:
Willy Gnonto – Still just 20, showed flashes of brilliance in the Premier League two seasons ago. Raw, but direct and fearless.
Dan James – Brings pace and defensive work rate. Inconsistent end product but a capable squad option.
Jack Harrison – Experienced and technical, though streaky in form. His Premier League experience is valuable.
Largie Ramazani – Recently signed from Almeria. High upside, but yet to prove himself at top-flight level.
Each of these players offers something different, but none are guaranteed 10+ goals and assists over a season — the kind of numbers Paixão might have delivered. So while Leeds are not in immediate danger, they lack a true game-changer.
🧭 Where Leeds Go From Here: Not All Hope Is Lost
The club’s response to missing out on Paixão will be critical. According to reports from Cross and others, Leeds are not caught off guard, having conducted background talks with multiple wingers this summer.
💼 Key Areas of Focus for Leeds:
- Goalkeeper – Still a top priority, with Illan Meslier’s future uncertain
- Striker – Leeds need a proven Premier League-level goal scorer
- No.10/Creative Midfielder – Someone to connect midfield to attack
- Winger – A match-winner who can elevate the final third
Paixão would have filled the fourth category emphatically. But there are still other viable options in the market.
🔄 Alternative Winger Targets Leeds Could Consider
Here’s a list of realistic targets who match Paixão’s profile (age, skillset, market value):
🧤 1. Samuel Iling-Junior – Juventus
Age: 21
Former Chelsea academy player
Explosive dribbler, strong in one-vs-one scenarios
Could be available for £15–20 million
🏹 2. Jesper Karlsson – Bologna (formerly AZ)
Swedish international
Left-footed winger who cuts inside and scores
Creative and consistent in output
🌟 3. Gustavo Maia – Internacional
Brazilian flair player
Direct, fast, and strong technically
Would require a bold move but fits the Paixão archetype
🇪🇸 4. Abde Ezzalzouli – Real Betis
Former Barcelona youngster
Strong La Liga experience
Electric pace and flair, Premier League-suited skillset
🎯 5. Jota – Al-Ittihad
Once one of Celtic’s best attackers
May look to return to Europe
Versatile, two-footed, proven output in UEFA competitions
Each of these players has the potential to provide what Leeds wanted from Paixão: creativity, directness, and goal involvement from wide areas.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Blow, But Not a Collapse
Losing out on Igor Paixão is undeniably disappointing for Leeds United. He was one of the few players in the club’s sights who could’ve walked straight into the XI and made a transformative impact.
But it’s important to view this as a single moment in a much larger transfer strategy.
Leeds are operating with:
A clear recruitment vision
A tactical blueprint under Daniel Farke
The financial support of the 49ers
A Premier League platform to sell to players
There is still plenty of time left in the transfer window, and the club’s recruitment team has not put all its eggs in one basket. The winger market remains active, and many talented players are still available.
This missed opportunity may well lead to a better one — provided Leeds continue to move smartly, decisively, and without panic.