Manchester United beat Leeds United on penalties in their pre-season friendly in Dublin on Wednesday night, but the result has done little to distract from the bigger picture, with Leeds still focused on their transfer business.
James Trafford showed exactly why Leeds were prepared to break their transfer record for him, producing an impressive display against the Red Devils after his move from Manchester City.
Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson have also offered encouraging signs during pre-season and look set to play important roles for Daniel Farke this season.
Leeds are not finished in the transfer market either. The club are expected to bring in a few more additions before the window closes, while also working on departures as they look to trim the squad and make room for further changes.
Read More: Daniel Farke issues major Leeds United transfer update: “Something different…”
The Whites are set to play a waiting game to land top target
Leeds are keen to bring in another versatile attacker who can operate on the left-hand side, and Igor Paixao is a player who is on their radar.
The Whites tried to sign him last summer, but the Brazilian joined Marseille, where he scored 12 goals in all competitions last season.
Marseille’s dire financial crisis has led to suggestions that the club would be forced to cash in on the winger before the transfer window closes this summer.
According to La Provence via Sport Witness, Marseille want to hold out for around £42m before sanctioning the Brazilian winger’s sale this summer.
However, Marseille are getting desperate, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s decision to reject a move to Newcastle United left them furious.
Paixao is their most bankable asset, and the French giants do not want to lose him for a knocked-down fee.
However, they are in desperate need of funds, so the club could lower their asking price as the transfer window draws to a close.
Leeds can now afford to wait for a few weeks rather than pay whatever Marseille want right now.
Igor Paixao for a knocked-down fee would be an excellent signing
Igor Paixao was one of the players Leeds United identified last summer as someone who could come in and make an immediate difference to the squad.
The Whites eventually opted to sign Noah Okafor instead, and the Swiss forward proved to be a useful addition as Leeds secured their Premier League survival with games to spare.
Now Marseille are willing to sell Paixao, Leeds have another opportunity to land a player they were keen on 12 months ago. Bringing the Brazilian to Elland Road would add more quality to Farke’s attack and give the manager another player capable of creating something in the final third.
Marseille’s financial situation could also work in Leeds’ favour, potentially allowing the Whites to negotiate a deal for Paixao at a price below his current market value.
Swap Perri and 20 mil for Paixao
He was not interested last season and we wasted time and resource trying to convince him and here we are doing the same again. Definition of insanity, doing the same thing over and over expecting different results