Leeds’ interest in Igor Paixão is not new, but their need for another attacker has become clear.
Daniel Farke guided Leeds to 14th during their first season back in the Premier League, not to mention an FA Cup semi-final, finishing the top flight campaign with 47 points and scoring 49 goals.
That represented a solid return to the top flight, although too much of their responsibility fell on Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Calvert-Lewin finished as Leeds’ leading scorer with 15 goals across all competitions, while several of the club’s wide players struggled to produce consistently.
Daniel James endured a disrupted campaign and failed to score, while Joël Piroe slipped down the pecking order after being so important during the promotion season.
Leeds have addressed part of that problem by signing Harry Wilson following the expiry of his Fulham contract.
The Wales international scored 11 times in 41 appearances last season and provides Premier League quality from the right. However, Leeds still require greater threat from the opposite flank.
Paixao would provide that balance.
The Brazilian is a right-footed left-winger who enjoys driving inside, attacking defenders and shooting from dangerous central positions.
Leeds already attempted to sign him from Feyenoord last summer, but Paixão chose Marseille and the opportunity to play Champions League football.
He bagged 18 goals and 19 assists in 47 appearances for Feyenoord during 24/25, helping him win the Dutch Golden Shoe as the Netherlands’ Footballer of the Year.
His three seasons in Rotterdam brought 39 goals in 129 matches, alongside an Eredivisie title, Dutch Cup and Dutch Super Cup.
Marseille then paid an initial fee of around £26 million, potentially rising to around £30 million, to make him their record signing at the time.
Paixao’s first year in France was pretty impressive.
He recorded six goals and five assists from 30 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring 12 times in 42 matches across all competitions, including a memorable Champions League double during a 4-0 win over Ajax.
Those figures show why Leeds remain interested, but they also explain Marseille’s strong negotiating position.
Leeds hold talks with Igor Paixao’s camp as 49ers aim to pay £30m
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Paixao is currently third on Leeds’ shortlist of targets as they look to strengthen Farke’s attack.
Initial discussions have reportedly taken place with the player’s representatives, although there is no suggestion that an agreement has been reached yet.
The biggest obstacle is the valuation.
Aouna claims Marseille owner Frank McCourt wants approximately £43 million before considering a sale. Leeds and the 49ers, meanwhile, reportedly value Paixao at between £26 million and £30 million.
That leaves the clubs almost £13 million apart even if Leeds reach the top of their range.
Marseille’s demand would also give them a healthy profit on a player signed only last summer, but paying more than £40 million would require enormous confidence from Leeds that Paixao can transfer his form to the Premier League.
