Leeds United continued their impressive pre-season with a 2-0 win over RB Leipzig at Elland Road on Saturday, giving Daniel Farke another encouraging result ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The Whites have also shown plenty of ambition in the transfer market. Harry Wilson arrived on a free transfer before Leeds spent £34m to bring Tarik Muharemovic to Elland Road from Sassuolo.
They then broke their transfer record again last week, paying £45m to sign James Trafford from Manchester City. The England international is expected to go straight into the team as Farke’s first-choice goalkeeper.
The investment in Wilson and the £79m spent on Muharemovic and Trafford underline Leeds’ ambitions this summer. But their work is not finished yet, with the club still looking to add more quality to their attacking options.
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Manager speaks out on Leeds United target’s future
After missing out on Julian Brandt, who joined Dutch giants Ajax earlier this month, Leeds United’s attention has reportedly turned back to Igor Paixao.
The Whites are still looking to add a versatile attacker who can operate from the left, and Paixao is a familiar name. Leeds were interested in the Brazilian last summer but were unable to convince him to move to Elland Road.
Instead, Paixao chose Marseille and enjoyed a productive campaign, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Leeds have held initial talks with the Brazilian’s camp and the winger provided a glimpse of what he can do with a stunning goal on Sunday.
According to French sports daily L’Equipe via Sport Witness, Leeds are among the several clubs who are battling to sign Paixao before the end of the window.
Marseille boss Bruno Genesio has insisted that he would love to keep hold of the winger. But conceded that he is not aware whether the Brazilian would stay.
“Igor is an extraordinary lad, a very good player. He really enjoys training, really enjoys playing”, Genesio said when asked about Paixao’s future.
“He’s also continuing the momentum from last season. He was an important player for OM last season. Right from the start of this season, he’s been involved in a lot of dangerous attacks and goals: for us, he’s a very important player.
“I want to keep all the good players; no coach wants to lose his best players. Besides, I’m not aware of everything in this transfer window; there are criteria that don’t concern me.”
Marseille are ready to sell Paixao, who is reluctant to leave, as they are in dire financial straits and need income from player sales.
Igor Paixao would be a solid signing for Leeds
Igor Paixao was viewed as a potential game-changer last summer, with the belief that he could immediately raise the quality of Leeds United’s squad.
Leeds eventually turned to Noah Okafor instead, and the Swiss forward proved to be a useful addition as the Whites secured Premier League survival with games to spare.
But with Marseille now willing to cash in on Paixao, Leeds have an opportunity to finally land the player they wanted last summer. Bringing him to Elland Road would not only add more quality to the squad but also give Daniel Farke another player capable of making a difference in the final third.
Marseille’s financial situation could also work in Leeds’ favour, potentially allowing them to negotiate a deal for Paixao below his current market value.
