⚽ Leeds United’s Igor Paixao Transfer Collapse: A Gut-Wrenching Blow, But What Comes Next?
In one of the most frustrating twists of the summer transfer window, Leeds United’s pursuit of Igor Paixao has ended in disappointment, as the Brazilian winger is set to join Olympique de Marseille in a deal that left Leeds—and their fans—reeling. After weeks of interest, high-level negotiations, and an aggressive push to beat the competition, Leeds have now seen one of their top attacking targets slip away at the final moment.
This isn’t just a story about a missed transfer—it’s a moment that could define how Leeds recalibrates its squad-building plans for the rest of the summer. Let’s dive into everything that happened, why it happened, and what Leeds United’s future now looks like in the wake of the Igor Paixao collapse.
🧩 The Background: Leeds’ Ambitious Play for a Star Winger
Heading into this summer window, it was clear Leeds United had one major priority: adding high-quality attacking options to the squad in their push to return to the Premier League. After falling short in the playoffs, the need for firepower and creativity from wide areas became more evident than ever.
Enter Igor Paixao, a 24-year-old Brazilian winger playing for Feyenoord. Paixao emerged as a top target early in the window due to:
His impressive Eredivisie form
His ability to play across the front line
His reputation as a flair-driven attacker with end product
And most importantly, his growth ceiling, which could offer both sporting value and future resale potential
Leeds weren’t alone in tracking him. Marseille had also been monitoring the winger closely, and clubs in Spain and Germany were aware of his rising stock. However, for a time, it genuinely looked like Leeds were in the driving seat.
💸 Leeds’ Offer: The Financial Picture
According to multiple reports, Leeds submitted a £28 million bid plus performance-based add-ons over the weekend. That offer was higher than anything Marseille had put on the table up to that point.
Leeds were confident:
They believed they had outbid Marseille
They were said to be close to an agreement with Feyenoord
Some media even reported a “done deal” was in place
The club’s Director of Football Adam Underwood was sent to Germany, showing how far Leeds were willing to go to seal the deal
On paper, this was the kind of bid that usually secures a signing. But football transfers aren’t just about money.
🇧🇷 The Turning Point: Paixao’s Marseille Preference
Even as Leeds were making a stronger financial push, there was a lingering issue: Paixao’s preference for Marseille. Despite the higher offer from Elland Road, the Brazilian was reportedly more interested in joining the Ligue 1 side, and that proved to be decisive.
Why did he favour Marseille?
European football: Marseille are preparing for continental competitions, something Leeds can’t offer this season.
Lifestyle and league: Ligue 1 is seen as a smoother transitional league for Brazilian players compared to the intensity of the English Championship.
Club profile: Marseille, with its history and passionate fanbase, has a strong appeal on the global stage.
Language and culture: France’s cultural familiarity to Brazilian players is often an underrated factor in decision-making.
In the end, Fabrizio Romano delivered the final blow to Leeds hopes, confirming the transfer with his signature “Here We Go”, stating:
“Full agreement between Marseille and Feyenoord. Five-year deal for Paixao. Despite Leeds pushing with a strong bid, the player has chosen Marseille.”
⚠️ Why Leeds Lost Out – A Deeper Analysis
This wasn’t a case of Leeds being slow or stingy. In fact, the club did a lot right:
They acted quickly
They outbid their rival
They made multiple offers
They demonstrated strong intent
But three factors swung the deal toward Marseille:
- Player preference outweighed finances
A modern transfer, especially for a player with multiple suitors, often comes down to the footballer’s personal vision for their career. Paixao saw his future in France—not Yorkshire. - Leeds lack of top-flight football
As long as Leeds remain outside the Premier League, they may struggle to attract elite-level talent without overpaying or being extremely persuasive. - Marseille’s late revival
Initially struggling to meet Feyenoord’s valuation, Marseille eventually matched it when it became clear they could lose out. Once that happened, it was game over for Leeds.
📉 The Fallout: How Leeds Fans Are Feeling
The mood around Elland Road is understandably downbeat. Many fans had grown increasingly excited as reports suggested Paixao was on the verge of joining. For a club looking to rebuild quickly and get back to the top, missing out on a marquee signing—especially after leading the race—is frustrating.
Some supporters are also concerned this may not be the last time a top target slips away due to:
A lack of Premier League status
Uncertainty around long-term ownership stability
Championship wage restrictions
Still, the Paixao saga may serve as a wake-up call for the club to act more aggressively with fallback options and move quickly to avoid letting other clubs swoop in.
🔁 The Response: Leeds’ Contingency Plans Are Ready
According to journalist Beren Cross, Leeds always had multiple wingers on their shortlist, and while the Paixao deal was labelled the “hardest deal” of the summer, it wasn’t the only one being worked on.
🎯 Primary Target Now: Dilane Bakwa
Age: 22
Club: RC Strasbourg
Nationality: French
Position: Winger (primarily right-sided but versatile)
Style: Explosive dribbler, great in tight spaces, technical finesse, good acceleration
Contract Situation: Strasbourg could be open to selling if the right offer comes in
Bakwa fits the Leeds profile:
Young, high-upside attacker
Affordable price tag compared to Premier League targets
Hungry to prove himself at a bigger stage
He has previously been linked with Premier League clubs and could blossom in a system like Daniel Farke’s, especially with regular playing time.
🔭 Other Possible Alternatives to Watch
Leeds may also revisit or accelerate interest in:
Bilal El Khannouss (Genk) – More of an attacking midfielder/wing hybrid, but very highly rated
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi (Crystal Palace) – Could be available for loan or a modest fee
Armand Laurienté (Sassuolo) – More experienced, though likely more expensive
Yankuba Minteh (Newcastle, on loan at Feyenoord last year) – Only if a deal elsewhere falls through
Additionally, internal academy players like Crysencio Summerville or Willy Gnonto may take on bigger roles, depending on whether they remain at the club.
🧠 Final Thoughts: A Disappointment, But Not a Disaster
Losing out on Igor Paixao is a major blow for Leeds United—but it’s not a fatal one. The club demonstrated ambition, financial strength, and a clear recruitment plan. Those are all encouraging signs for supporters.
More importantly:
The transfer team is prepared with alternative targets
There is money to spend
Leeds are actively engaging with high-potential players from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
The club’s long-term strategy is still intact, even if this high-profile deal didn’t come off
The next few weeks will be critical. If Leeds can quickly pivot and land a player like Dilane Bakwa or another quality winger, they can still exit this transfer window in a strong position to challenge for promotion.