Just like fellow promoted side Sunderland, Leeds United are starting to make some serious moves in the transfer market.
Manager Daniel Farke has previously been unsuccessful in terms of surviving in the Premier League.
However, Leeds seem determined to give the former Norwich City boss an excellent opportunity to do so this time around — the 69ers are showing plenty of ambition in the transfer market.
But to complement the signings of Jaka Bijol and Gabriel Gudmundsson, Leeds will also need to add some firepower up top.
And it would seem as if Leeds have now identified a winger who could potentially mirror Raphinha’s success at Elland Road.
Leeds have begun talks to sign Igor Paixao from Feyenoord
According to journalist Graham Smyth, Leeds are now targeting an ambitious move to sign Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao.
25-year-old Paixao joined the Dutch side from Brazilian football back in 2022 and has made a huge impact in the Eredivisie.
Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images
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In 36 league games last season, Paixao scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists, a remarkable tally for a left winger.
As a result, Smyth has now shared on X that Leeds have been in talks with Paixao’s representatives, trying to sell a move to Elland Road.
Leeds presented their project to Paixao’s camp this week, and they’ll hope that the Brazilian is tempted by a chance in the Premier League.
Feyenoord’s Brazilian winger Igor Paixão is one of the left wingers whose representatives Leeds United have spoken to about a possible transfer move.
Understand they presented the project to his camp this week.
He’s reportedly also a target for Marseille.#lufc
— Graham Smyth (@GrahamSmyth) July 16, 2025
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Tottenham have also shown interest in Paixao themselves in recent months, a player who would certainly have a lot of options if he were to become available.
Igor Paixao is ‘better’ than Cody Gakpo
Of course, it shouldn’t be forgotten that now Liverpool boss Arne Slot was hugely responsible for Paixao’s emergence at Feyenoord.
The Brazilian won the Dutch league under Slot in 2022/23, a manager who certainly knows how to get the best out of his wingers.
And perhaps slightly oddly, former Feyenoord manager Rob Jacobs actually claimed that Paixao was better than Cody Gakpo earlier this year when explaining why Liverpool should make a move for the 25-year-old.
Speaking on Rijnmnd, Jacobs said: “I’ll go for Paixao. I really think he makes Liverpool stronger. Arne Slot should also enjoy his development.
“Gakpo is of course also a fantastic player and is doing well at Liverpool, but I think Paixão is better.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Liverpool would report to Feyenoord. Hey, €40m or €50m? They don’t make a fuss about that in England.”
Either way, it’s clear that Leeds would be signing an exceptional talent if they can make progress with a deal, and Feyenoord are thought to value Paixao at around £26m.
TBR Football recently shared that Leeds want to take a Real Madrid forward on loan for next season, a club who are scouring the market for opportunities.