How Leeds can secure a bigger transfer than Paixao

A couple of months ago, Daniel Farke looked as though he could be on the way out at Leeds United after sending a powerful message to the hierarchy about the need for added investment.

However, just three days until the Whites kick off their Premier League campaign, it’s safe to say the 49ers have answered the German’s demands loud and clear.

Over £80m has been spent to improve the senior ranks at Elland Road, with centre-back Nico Elvedi the latest to arrive – after an £8m fee was agreed with Borussia Monchengladbach.

The club’s business may not be done there, as other targets continue to be touted with a move to join the Whites – but the board should be steering clear of a move for one talent.

Why Leeds should avoid signing Igor Paixao this summer

For the second time in as many seasons, Leeds have been credited with a firm interest in landing Brazilian attacker Igor Paixao – this time whilst he’s at Marseille.

Prior to his switch to join the French giants, the attacker featured for Feyenoord, where he rejected the chance to move to the Premier League in favour of his current side.

However, their current financial issues have opened the door for another move for the 26-year-old, which has once again seen Farke’s men consider a possible move.

The £35m move for his signature would be yet another big move from the 49ers, but there’s undoubtedly better value out there within the transfer market.

For a creative outlet, Paixao ranked lowly for passes completed per 90, with his measly tally of just 26.3 ranking him below 70% of other players in his position across Europe.

He also only managed to complete 12% of the crosses he attempted in Ligue 1 last campaign – a figure which also placed him in the bottom 15% of other wingers on the continent.

Such numbers are way below what you would expect from a player valued at his current price point, with Farke’s men needing an immediate outlay from any new addition.

How Leeds can secure a bigger coup than Paixao

With just a couple of weeks left to go this summer, the Leeds hierarchy will need to be clever with their efforts if they are to land more top-level options ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The attacking department could still see added improvements, with only free agent Harry Wilson arriving in such an area throughout the ongoing market.

Countless names have been touted with a possible move to Elland Road, but none quite as frequently as Chelsea outcast Liam Delap.

The latest report from TEAMtalk suggests that Farke’s men are still exploring a move to land the 23-year-old, who’s been told he’s free to leave Stamford Bridge this window.

They also claim the 23-year-old could be available for around the £35m mark in the weeks ahead, as the Blues look to make a slight profit on the fee paid for his services.

However, any deal could well be somewhat tricky to complete for the Whites, as Nottingham Forest and Everton continue to do their own work on signing the Englishman.

He may not be a glamorous name that excites the supporters in Yorkshire, but it could prove to be a phenomenal deal for Farke’s men – and one that could make them millions in the future.

His previous spell at Ipswich Town saw him exceed all expectations and reach some astronomical levels – with such figures showcasing why he would be a bigger coup than Paixao.

Despite featuring for a team which suffered relegation, Delap netted 12 goals for the Tractor Boys – the second highest of any English striker in the division.

He also ranked in the top 20% of attackers in the division for shots on target per 90 and his shot on target accuracy rate – highlighting his ability to deliver for a side pushing to reach the next level and backing Kieran McKenna’s claim that he’s “outstanding.”

The 23-year-old is arguably a better fit for Farke’s system too, with his physical nature something which is required and made the club so tricky to beat last season.

Delap has been known to put himself about – as seen by his tally of 2.3 fouls committed per 90 in 2024/25 – with his desire something that would get the supporters immediately on side.

Players from such a nation are known to cost a premium – as seen with James Trafford this summer – with the 23-year-old’s value only set to increase further in the years ahead if he can emulate such levels.

£35m could be a bargain for the attacking talent this window, but it’s crucial the hierarchy work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his signature to a divisional rival.

His failed spell at Chelsea may be a concern for supporters, but such a club is a poison chalice for many players – and Farke’s side could offer him the perfect escape.