⚽ Igor Paixão – Opportunity Narrows but Still Alive
Player profile: The 25-year-old Brazilian winger has been exceptional at Feyenoord, featuring in 34 league matches and contributing 16 goals and 14 assists in the 2024/25 Eredivisie season .
Transfer race status: Initially, Marseille were considered leading contenders, having reportedly agreed personal terms with Paixão. However, recent coverage from Foot 01 says Leeds now hold the upper hand, and that Marseille are “in tears” over the winger potentially choosing Elland Road .
Fee and competition: Feyenoord are reportedly demanding over £25 million, a sum that Marseille may struggle to accommodate—but one Leeds could potentially match, especially with the pull of Premier League football on the table .
Insider confidence: Graham Smyth of the Yorkshire Evening Post has reaffirmed Leeds’ interest, naming Paixão as one of their top three priorities that they’re still pursuing actively .
Outlook: Though some outlets claim Leeds are now losing the race as Marseille close in on a €35 million-plus deal, the window remains fluid and Leeds are reportedly set to present a formal offer this weekend to Paixão’s representatives .
🇪🇸 Mateo Joseph – Heading Back to Spain?
Player background: Born in Santander in October 2003, Joseph progressed through Racing Santander and Espanyol’s academy before joining Leeds in early 2022. He has dual Spanish-British citizenship and is related to former striker Emile Heskey .
Performance and development: In the 2024/25 season Joseph made 39 Championship appearances, scoring three goals, and featured regularly for Spain’s Under‑21 side, including at the 2025 U21 Euros, where he scored and expressed ambition to reach the senior team .
Transfer details: Leeds have reportedly set a £10 million asking price. While Real Betis have shown interest, they seem hesitant to meet that fee. Meanwhile, Celta Vigo — armed with funds from recent sales — have joined the pursuit, increasing competition in the race for the young striker .
Player sentiment: Joseph has publicly stated that Spain’s senior national team is a dream within reach and reaffirmed his desire to play in La Liga, although he remains focused on his U21 international campaign for now .
Club dynamics: He notably sat out Leeds’ recent friendly, with manager Daniel Farke confirming that Joseph opted not to feature—suggesting his attention is already elsewhere amid transfer speculation .
Outlook: If Betis or Celta move quickly to match Leeds’ valuation, Joseph’s departure looks inevitable. Leeds appear willing to sell to reinvest, potentially targeting players like Rodrigo Muniz with incoming funds .
🏴 Callum Wilson – Flexibility Might Reignite Interest
Career summary: The 33‑year‑old striker exited Newcastle United as a free agent when his contract expired on June 30, capping a five-year tenure that yielded 49 goals in 130 appearances .
Contract talks and exit context: Newcastle declined to trigger a one-year extension and reportedly offered Wilson a pay-as-you-play deal, which he ultimately rejected. As of early July, he has publicly confirmed his departure and is seeking a club offering more regular playing time NZ .
Current options: Leeds — along with Everton — are considered frontrunners for his signature. However, Football Insider and others have noted that the club’s data-driven recruitment policy, and concerns over his fitness record, have made a deal less likely .
Contract approach: If Leeds were to revisit interest, it’s expected they’d propose a low basic wage with high appearance-based bonuses (“small wage, big appearance fee”) to minimise risk due to his frequent injuries .
Insider sentiment: Former Leeds keeper Paul Robinson (speaking on Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast) emphasised that Leeds may pull out altogether, citing performance and fitness concerns despite Wilson still having value when fit .
Outlook: Unless Leeds change course or Wilson lowers demands even further, his move seems more likely to go elsewhere — though other clubs may balk at taking the risk involved.
📉 Additional Context – Outgoings and Squad Strategy
Patrick Bamford: Farke has informed the long-serving striker that he isn’t part of plans for the upcoming Premier League season, due to his persistent injury issues. His departure further cements Leeds’ commitment to a radical attacking overhaul .
Strategic goals: Leeds aim to use funds from Joseph and potential other exits to target Premier League-ready attackers such as Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz (€50m valuation), prioritising experienced additions while complying with profit‑and‑sustainability rules under 49ers ownership .
📅 Timeline & What to Watch
Player Current Status Latest Movement What’s Next
Igor Paixão Feyenoord winger Marseille talks stalled; Leeds preparing offer Formal bid expected or race closes quickly
Mateo Joseph Leeds striker Celta Vigo join race; Betis interest stalls One club meets £10m asking price
Callum Wilson Free agent Still available; open to pay-as-play contract Leeds likely unless risk reduced
🧠 Conclusion
Leeds United’s window is entering a decisive phase. The Paixão pursuit hinges on how Marseille respond and whether Leeds proceed with a firm offer. Mateo Joseph’s potential sale feels imminent given strong player ambition and financial needs at Elland Road. And while the Wilson scenario seemed viable at first, it has cooled significantly unless the club resets their risk tolerance.
Daniel Farke’s team continues to evolve rapidly, balancing youth talent with targeted experience. The next one to two weeks may well define whether Leeds kick off their Premier League return in style or scramble for last-minute reinforcements.