Leeds United have continued their strong pre-season with another impressive result, beating RB Leipzig 2-0 at Elland Road on Saturday as Daniel Farke’s side build towards the new Premier League campaign.
The Whites have been equally ambitious in the transfer market. Harry Wilson joined on a free transfer, before Leeds spent £34m to bring Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic to the club.
They followed that up by breaking their transfer record once again, paying £45m for James Trafford. The England goalkeeper is expected to go straight into the team as Farke’s first-choice when the season begins.
However, Daniel Farke has expressed an interest in adding more quality to his squad, and Leeds have been given a fresh reason to pursue a long-term target.
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Leeds United target gives timely reminder of his quality
Following Leeds’ failure to sign Julian Brandt, who joined Dutch giants Ajax earlier this month, it emerged that Leeds are still interested in Igor Paixao.
Leeds want to bring in a versatile attacker who can operate on the left side of the attack, and Paixao was a player they wanted to sign last summer.
However, the Brazilian winger snubbed a move to Elland Road to join Marseille, scoring 12 goals and registering 7 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Leeds have held initial talks with the Brazilian’s camp, and Marseille’s dire financial position makes the deal a real possibility.
And Paixao gave a timely reminder of his quality when he scored an absolutely stunning goal from outside the box in Marseille’s 3-1 win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
The Brazilian cut in from the left and produced a scintillating shot from his right foot to score a screamer.
Marseille want to sell the winger, but Paixao wants to stay and prove his worth at Marseille next season.
The French club’s financial troubles could eventually make his sale inevitable towards the end of the transfer window.
🚨Le missile de Paixao contre Bilbao pour remettre l’OM devant au tableau d’affichage ! 🔥🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/wkfirLRaOV
— Massilia Zone (@MassiliaZone) August 9, 2026
Leeds United still like Igor Paixao
Igor Paixao was marked as a difference-maker last summer, who could come in and instantly elevate the squad’s quality.
Leeds eventually signed Noah Okafor, and the Swiss turned out to be a good signing as the Whites survive in the Premier League with games to spare.
But with Marseille keen to cash in on Paixao, Leeds must make the most of this opportunity and sign their top target from last summer.
He will not only improve the overall quality of their squad but also provide Daniel Farke with another difference-maker in the final third of the pitch.
They could take advantage of Marseille’s financial issues and get Paixao for a fee that would be lower than his current market value.
Can’t believe were still after a player who STILL doesn’t want to come to play for us at ER.
I reckon we’d be better off going in for the likes of Zian Flemming or Pavel Sulc ?
Like Sulc not sure about Flemming? 🤔
More talk, yet another that wont happen, just like Charles be way over priced!
Agree with Brian re Paixao not wanting to be here.
If we want a good striker then good money needs to be paid, you get what you pay for.
Are there exceptions to the rule of not going after players who don’t want to come unless there is no better option left? It is not as if it his first effective dismissal. Marseille probably want to sell him which should be familiar to us. So at best a discount. A bargain is not a bargain if it is an unwilling horse. Move on, we’ve been down this wasted road before. Need to integrate someone of upgrade who wants to put on the shirt.