Leeds United’s pursuit of Igor Paixao has captured the imagination of their fanbase and media alike, with the 25-year-old Brazilian winger’s potential move from Feyenoord representing one of the marquee deals of the club’s summer transfer window. However, despite the club’s optimism, the deal remains a work in progress, with key figures like Graham Smyth describing it as the “hardest deal” Leeds have attempted this window. With an offer of £28 million plus add-ons reportedly on the table, the deal for Paixao seems tantalizingly close, yet there is still significant uncertainty hanging over its completion.
The Complexities of Paixao’s Transfer
Though Leeds United are confident they’ve made great strides toward securing Paixao, they are acutely aware that nothing is final until contracts are signed. This cautious optimism stems from the fact that other top European clubs have been linked with the Brazilian, including giants like Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. These clubs’ interest could complicate the situation and make Leeds hesitant to declare victory too early.
For Leeds, the Paixao deal is undeniably the biggest and most high-profile move of their transfer window so far. The winger has been in outstanding form at Feyenoord, a club known for developing top-tier talent. Paixao’s explosive pace, technical prowess, and goal-scoring ability have elevated him into the upper echelons of sought-after wide players in Europe. Leeds United, under Daniel Farke, are clearly looking for that next-level player to provide dynamism and offensive thrust on the wings, and Paixao certainly fits that bill.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Paixao represents a risk for Leeds. His profile — fast, aggressive, and highly involved in attacking play — is exactly what they need to push for promotion and contend in the Premier League. However, securing him in a market full of competitors, particularly with his inflated price tag, is far from straightforward. Leeds, despite their financial clout, are in competition with some of Europe’s best, making the deal far from a done deal.
The Emerging Alternative: Dilane Bakwa
With Paixao’s transfer still uncertain, Dilane Bakwa of RC Strasbourg has emerged as a more tactical, balanced alternative. While Paixao has captured the spotlight, Bakwa offers a slightly different skill set that may be better suited to Leeds’ current squad, especially considering the team’s tactical needs and balance across the attacking third.
At 22 years old, Bakwa represents a younger, less expensive option compared to Paixao, but he is no less promising. Though his performances have not been as consistently eye-catching as Paixao’s, Bakwa is a highly skilled winger, well-regarded for his creativity, technical ability, and composure in transition. His ability to pick out key passes, cross accurately, and link up with teammates makes him an intriguing option for a team like Leeds, who rely heavily on their wingers to create and finish chances quickly in open play.
What makes Bakwa particularly attractive to Leeds is his left-footedness and natural positioning on the right wing. Leeds currently have a squad with several talented wingers, including Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani, who prefer to operate on the left side. This leaves a bit of a gap on the right wing, where Dan James has been the only player filling that role with any consistency. By signing Bakwa, Leeds would gain a left-footed option on the right wing, which is a rare and highly beneficial trait, offering both variety in their attacks and an alternative tactical option for Farke.
Bakwa, at 5’11”, also has the physicality to complement his technical skill. He’s not the explosive, pace-heavy dribbler that Paixao is, but he’s certainly capable of breaking down defenses through intelligent movement, creativity, and clever passing. His role would likely be more involved in build-up play, linking with central midfielders, and creating overlaps, rather than cutting inside at speed and going for goal himself. This would give Leeds more balance across their forward lines, which, at the moment, leans heavily toward players like Gnonto and Ramazani who like to come inside from the left.
Financial and Competitive Landscape
Financially, both Paixao and Bakwa are likely to cost in the same ballpark range, with reports suggesting Paixao could cost around £28 million with add-ons, and Bakwa’s price tag likely hovering around £26 million, though his stock has risen since initial reports. With other clubs reportedly interested in Bakwa, particularly Chelsea, Tottenham, and West Ham United, the competition for his signature could drive his price even higher. This adds complexity to Leeds’ decision-making process.
The financial implications of securing one of these wingers are substantial, but Leeds’ recent transfer activity shows that they are willing to make moves if they believe the right player can help improve their squad. They have already invested in Anton Stach, Jaka Bijol, and Lucas Perri, all of whom are seen as key additions for the club. However, Leeds’ financial capacity to bring in a Paixao or Bakwa is not in question; the real challenge will lie in navigating the competition for both players and whether Leeds can convince either of them that their project is the right one.
Given the financial outlay needed to secure either winger, the presence of several big clubs on Bakwa’s trail makes him a particularly interesting option for Leeds as a contingency plan should Paixao’s deal fall through. While Paixao is the more high-profile target and potentially the more game-changing addition, Bakwa’s tactical fit, creative ability, and less complex signing process make him a strong backup option.
A Tactical Fit: Why Bakwa Might Be the Ideal Choice
Looking more closely at Leeds’ system under Daniel Farke, it becomes clear that Bakwa could offer more balance to the attack, making him a better fit for Leeds’ current squad structure. Leeds have already signed several players who can provide width, like Gnonto and Ramazani, but what the squad still lacks is a natural right-footed winger capable of linking play and providing tactical variety.
Bakwa, with his creative vision, passing range, and ability to make incisive runs into the final third, would offer a different dynamic to Leeds’ wide play. While Paixao is more of an attacking threat who can cut inside and score goals, Bakwa is the kind of winger who would contribute to the team in a slightly more well-rounded way. He could help control possession, making intelligent passes and working with teammates in a more cohesive attacking system, which is particularly important for Farke’s style of play.
Moreover, Bakwa’s presence would balance the team by allowing James and Gnonto to compete on the left, with Bakwa occupying the right. Leeds would have more fluidity in attack by having more options across both wings, making it difficult for opponents to predict their attacking movements.
Conclusion: Paixao vs Bakwa – The Right Fit for Leeds?
The decision between Igor Paixao and Dilane Bakwa ultimately comes down to the tactical vision that Daniel Farke has for Leeds United in the upcoming season and beyond. Both players bring immense talent and potential to the table, but they offer different attributes that could affect the team’s style of play.
Paixao, with his explosive pace, directness, and goal-scoring ability, would be a dynamic attacking option who can create chaos and score goals. However, his signing might cause a tactical imbalance in the squad with too many left-footed wingers vying for positions.
Bakwa, on the other hand, may not have the same immediate goal-scoring threat as Paixao, but his technical ability, creativity, and ability to control transitions make him a better tactical fit for Leeds’ needs, especially considering the squad’s existing strengths.
While Paixao’s potential is immense, Bakwa may actually represent a more pragmatic solution to what Leeds currently need, offering a more balanced attacking approach and filling the gaps left by a lack of natural right-sided width. For Leeds, securing Bakwa could provide greater tactical flexibility, while Paixao would undoubtedly bring a thrilling attacking presence to the team.
In the end, both players would improve Leeds’ squad, but with the current uncertainty surrounding the Paixao deal and the growing recognition of Bakwa’s suitability, Leeds may ultimately find that Bakwa is the ideal choice — a more calculated and balanced addition to their squad that fits well into Farke’s system. Whatever the outcome, Leeds’ forward options will likely look much stronger and more dynamic in the coming season, whether Paixao or Bakwa is the final addition.