Leeds United’s saga regarding Igor Paixao has taken yet another twist, with Marseille also in the running to sign the winger.
Igor Paixao’s profile highlights his match-winning ability and sheer athleticism, with the winger able to change a game in an instant. That is why Leeds United are desperate to add him in as a difference-maker in attack.
Leeds’ serious Paixao interest has been present for over a month. At one stage, it then looked as though Paixao would green light a move to Leeds. However, there have been numerous twists and turns since in the race for the 25-year-old.
Around three weeks ago now, Marseille then stepped up their Paixao interest, and it even looked as though Roberto De Zerbi’s side would seal his signature at a different stage. However, Leeds then re-entered the frame for the Feyenoord winger in spite of some injury concerns.
Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty ImagesFabrizio Romano confirms Leeds are pushing hard for Igor Paixao
Leeds have had Paixao hope for a while now given Marseille’s failed attempts to secure the Brazilian winger. In part, that is due to Leeds having more to offer Feyenoord than Marseille.
The French outfit had a ‘final’ Paixao bid rejected amid the Feyenoord winger posting cryptic messages on Instagram. It’s been a topsy turvy ride for Leeds fans to follow, with none of their other additions being this drawn out.
Today it was even claimed that Paixao prefers Marseille. However, the latest update from Fabrizio Romano highlights that the West Yorkshire outfit are pushing the hardest now in the race.
🚨🟡🔵 Understand Leeds United have improved their bid for Igor Paixão today, trying to get deal sealed asap.#LUFC pushing with intention to close the story and reach full agreement with Feyenoord. pic.twitter.com/NniUXGDWHP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 26, 2025
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He claims that Leeds have improved their bid for Igor Paixao today, and that they are trying to get a deal sealed as soon as possible, with the Whites pushing with intention to close the story and reach full agreement with Feyenoord.
It’s claimed Leeds are closing in. The deal is not 100% done yet but it is really, really close to happening between the clubs. Interestingly, with talks accelerating, Feyenoord seem to have already signed Paixao’s replacement as well.
Photo by ANP via Getty ImagesWhoScored’s incredible Igor Paixao reveal
Graham Smyth believes Leeds are very active with Paixao, Rodrigo Muniz, and Lucas Perri. The latter has since been confirmed from Lyon, but getting all three Brazilians would go some way to helping their survival chances.
🇧🇷 Igor Paixão’s statistically calculated WhoScored characteristics:
✅ Strengths:
🟢 Finishing
🟢 Crossing
🟢 Long shots
🟢 Key passes
🟢 Holding on to the ball
🟢 Direct free-kicks❌ Weaknesses:
𝑷𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑬𝑹 𝑯𝑨𝑺 𝑵𝑶 𝑺𝑰𝑮𝑵𝑰𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑨𝑵𝑻 𝑾𝑬𝑨𝑲𝑵𝑬𝑺𝑺𝑬𝑺#LUFC pic.twitter.com/9VfaIMetZj
— WhoScored (@WhoScored) July 25, 2025
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The attacking stardust and a potentially “transformational” signing for Leeds, Paixao’s form has been incredible in recent years. Leeds could be signing a player with numerous significant strengths and no particular weaknesses, per WhoScored.
The only area of his game that may take some adaptation is getting up to speed with the physicality of the Premier League. Leeds need more on that front elsewhere, but Paixao is by far the smallest signing at 5’6″.