This week, things seem to have turned up a notch. Leeds United are being linked with new players every day with Adam Underwood yet to make his first signing as sporting director.
The former head of recruitment at Leeds is the club’s new sporting director and has been thrown in at the deep end, with this summer’s window deemed one of the most important markets in the club’s history.
The widening gap between the Premier League and the Championship, proven by Southampton, Leicester and Ipswich suffering relegation after promotion, highlights how important recruitment is going to be.
The number of players since Leeds secured promotion that have been linked with a move to Elland Road is now well over 70, and one of the latest players touted with a Leeds transfer is Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao.
Photo by Pim Waslander/Soccrates Images/Getty ImagesMarseille table bid to sign Leeds United target Igor Paixao
Paixao is likely to be on the move this summer after a stunning campaign in which the Brazilian has had a hand in a whopping 37 goals and assists during 2024-25. Leeds and Brighton are interested in Paixao.
However, Leeds are already trailing Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille in the race for the Feyenoord winger, as per a report from French outlet Le Phoceen. They claim that Marseille have tabled a £17m+ offer for him.
Initial reports linking Leeds with a move for Paixao suggest Feyenoord want a whole lot more than just £17m, possibly double that figure. But Marseille are certainly keen and negotiations will now be held.
Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesLeeds face familiar frustration in Paixao race after Jon Rowe saga
In the summer of 2024, Leeds were very interested in raiding Daniel Farke’s old side for Jon Rowe. The England U21 star had just enjoyed a brilliant breakthrough season with Norwich, and Leeds were keen.
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However, with Leeds struggling to meet Norwich’s asking price, De Zerbi swooped and lured Rowe to Marseille. Now, Leeds could face a familiar obstacle to overcome in the form of Marseille, for Paixao.
Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 this season and have qualified for the Champions League next term, making them more than just a climbable obstacle. Certainly, Marseille are on pole to land the Brazilian.