Leeds United have made a promising start to their summer recruitment, bringing in Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic as Daniel Farke continues to reshape his squad.
The Whites are also closing in on a club-record move for Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, with the England international already having agreed personal terms ahead of his expected switch to Elland Road.
However, the transfer window has not been without its frustrations. Leeds missed out on Julian Brandt after the German international decided to join Ajax instead.
The Whites had been quietly confident of convincing the 30-year-old to make the move to West Yorkshire, but Brandt ultimately chose to continue his career in the Eredivisie rather than test himself in the Premier League.
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Daniel Farke still wants to bring in an attacking midfielder to improve the team’s creativity, and is considering other targets after Brandt snubbed Leeds.
The Whites have turned their attention towards Brazilian winger Igor Paixao, who ignored a move to Elland Road last summer in favour of joining Marseille.
However, the French giants’ dire financial situation means they are prepared to sell a winger who scored 12 times and registered seven assists in all competitions last season.
Marseille were initially looking for a fee in excess of £42m before agreeing to sell him. However, that price has come down.
According to French sports daily L’Equipe, Marseille want at least £29m before agreeing to let the forward go this summer.
The French giants are aware that no club are prepared to pay their initial financial demands and are ready to sell for a more reasonable figure.
Paixao does not want to leave Marseille, but it seems the club’s financial situation is pushing him towards the exit door.
Leeds are interested in the winger again. However, Aston Villa are also keen to have a look at the Brazilian this summer.
We should avoid signing Igor Paixao
Igor Paixao remains highly regarded by the Leeds United recruitment team, which is why the club have revived their interest despite the Brazilian rejecting a move to Elland Road last summer.
Even so, Leeds have to be careful about how much time they invest in a deal if the player is not fully committed to joining. With the transfer window moving quickly, they cannot afford to spend weeks trying to convince someone who still has reservations.
The situation bears some resemblance to their pursuit of Julian Brandt. Leeds remained patient while the German weighed up his options, only for him to end up joining Ajax on a free transfer.
Although there was plenty of talk about Brandt being interested in a move to the Premier League, it always felt as though he was more inclined to remain in mainland Europe.
Leeds would be better served focusing on players who genuinely buy into Daniel Farke’s project rather than chasing someone like Paixao, who has already turned down the opportunity to join the club once before.
If he wanted to come to us last year, he could have. His heart wasn’t at Elland Road then, and by the sounds of it, it isn’t now either. That being the case, I would personally forget about him and leave him to bench warm at Marseille.
He has stated I believe he would like to stay at Marseille. I would love Gabriel Sara at Leeds too. His asking price is around 25 million but he also turned his nose at a move and he is perfect for us. If a player doesn’t want to come there is little point in pursuing them.
Personally Peval Sulc and Romano Schmid are more affordable, and better fits. I would look to bring these players in. They would make a great combination behind DCL.
If he has stated that he wants to stay at Marseille, let him. He is not passionate enough about Leeds, so will not be at his best and will leave at the first signs of trouble. Move on.