Leeds United have made a strong start to the summer transfer window, bringing in three quality additions in Harry Wilson, Tarik Muharemovic and James Trafford.
The Whites moved quickly to secure Wilson on a free transfer, beating competition from several Premier League and European clubs.
Leeds then spent £34m to sign Muharemovic from Sassuolo last month, with the defender having attracted interest from several other clubs before choosing Elland Road.
They followed that up by breaking their transfer record to sign England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City for £45m. Leeds could now look to take advantage of a Premier League rival’s setback in the transfer market.
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Leeds handed boost after Newcastle deal collapses
Newcastle thought they were close to finalising a deal to sign former Tottenham midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Marseille this summer.
The French giants were prepared to sell the midfielder, and there was a belief that the player was also keen to return to the Premier League this season.
However, Hojbjerg rejected the offer to join Newcastle and will now spend the season at Marseille.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the midfielder’s decision to reject the move has left Marseille owner Frank McCourt, who was looking forward to the sale.
Marseille need major player sales before the end of the window to fix their dire financial condition, and Hojberg’s sale would have brought in significant money.
McCourt is now keen to see everyone park their individual interests aside and prioritise the club’s future.
The French club need to sell players, and one of their most bankable assets is Leeds target Igor Paixao, whom they want to cash in on.
Leeds have held talks with his representatives over a move, but so far, the Brazilian is reluctant to leave Marseille after just one season.
But with Marseille under pressure, there is now a decent chance Paixao would be forced to leave before the end of the transfer window.
Igor Paixao would be a steal for Leeds United at £30m
Igor Paixao was seen as a player who could make an immediate impact at Leeds United last summer and add another level of quality to the squad.
The Whites ultimately signed Noah Okafor instead, and the Swiss forward proved to be a useful addition as Leeds secured Premier League survival with games to spare.
Now that Marseille are prepared to sell Paixao, Leeds have another chance to land a player they wanted 12 months ago. Bringing the Brazilian to Elland Road would strengthen the squad and give Daniel Farke another attacking option capable of making things happen in the final third.
Marseille’s financial situation could also give Leeds an advantage in negotiations, with the Whites potentially able to secure Paixao for less than his current market value.
Hojbjerg, no thank you, looking at improving, step in the wrong direction!
Read the article it’s not about LUFC signing Hojberg
“According to French outlet Foot Mercato, the midfielder’s decision to reject the move has left Marseille owner Frank McCourt (?), who was looking forward to the sale”.
Journalism has officially died.