Leeds United failed to get the Igor Paixao deal over the line, but they still have hope regarding Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz.
The Brazilian duo have been seen as two of the key missing pieces to Leeds United’s attack heading into the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Unfortunately, despite the fact Leeds led the Paixao race in pole position over the weekend, leading to reports stating it was a “done deal” between Leeds and Feyenoord, a deal has not materialised.
In the end, Marseille matched Leeds’ bid of around €35 million for Paixao. It means they will have to source a wide forward elsewhere, but Leeds’ pursuit of Fulham’s Muniz is ongoing.
Photo by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesLucas Perri factors could help convince Rodrigo Muniz to Leeds
Lucas Perri is in the building but Graham Smyth confirmed Leeds wanted the Brazilian trio, despite Smyth also stating the Paixao deal was the ‘hardest’ of Leeds’ window thus far.
That won’t deter Leeds with other targets, as they are keen to sign someone of Rodrigo Muniz’s profile and stylistic fit this summer.
It’s abundantly clear that Muniz is Leeds’ top striker target and Leeds believe they will strike a deal for Muniz with Fulham at some stage over the coming weeks.
Leeds’ second offer for Muniz remains on the table for Fulham to answer, with the Cottagers perhaps waiting to get their own ducks in a row first before sanctioning an exit from their striking options.
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There are a few factors which could go in Leeds’ favour. Up their sleeve now is the fact Perri has signed from Lyon. Firstly, a player of his calibre is a statement of intent.
On paper, Perri, Jaka Bijol, and Anton Stach are the most impressive signings; each of them should help to convince other talents to move to West Yorkshire, with Leeds showing just how serious they are about survival.
Secondly, you would imagine that signing a Brazilian international also helps in negotiations. Sure, Perri has never played for the national team, but he has numerous call-ups now.
That signifies that he is confident that a switch to Leeds from European giants Lyon is a better move for him to then challenge Ederson and Alisson ahead of a World Cup year.
Muniz may feel the same with opportunities at Leeds over Fulham. However, Leeds have a third trick up their sleeve regarding getting Muniz through the door…
Photo by Neil Hall – Pool/Getty ImagesRaphinha could help convince Rodrigo Muniz despite Igor Paixao heading to Marseille
It was claimed that Leeds used the fact Paixao has called Raphinha his role model in the past to sign him. You need only look at the Barcelona star’s trajectory to see why many idolise him now.
Muniz may or may not have the same feelings towards Raphinha, but it will surely help force Muniz’s hand somewhat into itching towards an exit from Fulham.
It was also claimed that Leeds used Raphinha to persuade Paixao into coming to West Yorkshire. They should be looking to do the same again if they haven’t already.
Of course, convincing the player is only half the problem, but Muniz being firmly set on Leeds could also help knock down the price from Fulham somewhat as well.
Currently, it appears likely that a club-record fee from Leeds is required to sign Muniz. Given the other work left, they are not likely to be willing to part ways with such a sizeable chunk of the budget.
If those three factors can help turn Muniz’s head, particularly the Raphinha factor, then Leeds’ former star could, in turn and indirectly, bring the price down to a more realistically feasible point.