Leeds United are in the market for a new, high-profile attacker, and long-term target Igor Paixao is potentially on the market.
United’s performance against RB Leipzig was another step on the way for Daniel Farke’s side being fully prepared for the Premier League.
Of course, it’s pre-season, so there are gaps and things to be addressed. Included in that is the left flank. There, Gabriel Gudmundsson is injured and Noah Okafor is working up to fitness after a delayed start.
Leeds United need a left-winger amid Noah Okafor pre-season delay
The interest in signing Julian Brandt was proof that Farke wants to sprinkle a top-level attacker into his squad before the window shuts.
While the German is 100% not joining, there are other options out there and Leeds’ interest in the attacking market remains. The reason for that is that Okafor, while tremendous in 2026, is an injury risk and someone we can’t afford to run into the ground.
Against RB Leipzig, Dan James got the nod on the left and looked lively. But, he was unable to make good of the openings he was afforded by Leeds’ approach play.
As a result, it feels obvious that Leeds could do with another option on that side. We need to ensure that Okafor’s absence doesn’t ever lead to a big drop-off in quality.
Leeds United handed major Igor Paixao incentive with Aston Villa out of the running
Igor Paixao is of course a hot topic in the left-wing department. The Brazilian was United’s dream signing 12 months ago, but understandably chose Marseille and Champions League football.
Now, the Liguw 1 heavyweights are needing to sell high-earning assets to balance the books, which could include Paixao. Hence, Leeds are alerted.
The issue is that Aston Villa were said to have made checks on the 26-year-old too. And, the fact they can also offer football on the elite stage is a worry.
However, Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna reports that Villa are no longer looking for a left-winger. They had previously signed Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea. To me, it did strike as odd that they’d go for another left-winger who would command almost guaranteed starts.
Meanwhile, Paixao’s strong pre-season with Marseille continues. After scoring a header vs Qatar side Al-Shahania, he’s scored a superb strike from outside the box today against Athletic Club.
With Paixao continuing to prove his worth during pre-season, it could be that Leeds accelerate talks soon.
Knowing that Villa seemingly aren’t prioritising him is another boost. We’re the club most keen on signing Paixao, and as we learned with Harry Wilson, feeling wanted and pursued is attractive to a player.
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