Leeds United still need more signings, having had a few setbacks already in the summer transfer window.
The work that the 49ers and Daniel Farke have done has largely been impressive, with seven additions into the Leeds United first-team and more yet to follow.
However, the drawn out Igor Paixao saga has set Leeds back in terms of bringing in a wide forward. It means they have to look elsewhere and make a play for someone else on their shortlist.
In many ways, it’s a huge shame for the Leeds faithful, given that it was reported Leeds were also willing to pay more than Marseille for the 25-year-old Feyenoord star.
Photo by Pim Waslander/Soccrates Images/Getty ImagesGraham Smyth explains Leeds have signed “reach” signings after missing out on Igor Paixao
It was also claimed Leeds led the Paixao race in pole position over the weekend, but the claims then came out that Marseille were making one last attempt to sign Paixao.
Despite some reports stating it was a “done deal” between Leeds and Feyenoord, it became obvious that Paixao always preferred a transfer to Marseille over Leeds.
In the end, they matched Leeds’ bid of around €35 million for Paixao. Ambitious ‘reach’ signings have been detailed by Graham Smyth and the Brazilian was certainly that.
Smyth has also explained just how close Leeds came to Paixao, and he has since detailed what happens next following the failure to acquire one of their “reach targets” this summer.
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Speaking via The Yorkshire Evening Post, he said: “There will be an inevitable challenge when it comes to deals because they have shown their hand to the market in terms of what they would be willing to spend for a difference-making winger.
“But as they showed with Habib Diarra they are determined to stick to their valuations of players.”
Smyth then explained that Leeds will continue to go for ambitious signings of this type, having already secured some already. That’s because the club “have refuted suggestions that they have been unable to get stretch targets over the line.”
The example given is Anton Stach who Smyth explains is a player who eventually turned down a Champions League opportunity to come to Leeds after a long period of deliberations.
He adds that, similarly, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol could have signed for clubs looking forward to elite European competition in 2025/26.
Therefore, it appears that they are not panicking about the situation, as Smyth explains further that Leeds insist they will not be reactive or let emotions lead them to jump straight on the next available winger.
They have now decided to go back to their process of discussing profiles, and checking the availability of targets they have scouted extensively, and then putting those names to Farke.
Photo by SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty ImagesDilane Bakwa is likely to be a player Leeds soon turn to after Paixao disappointment
The Athletic’s Beren Cross believes Leeds have pitched to several wingers while this process for Paixao has been ongoing.
⏳ Relaxed on goalkeeper arrival date
🤞 Hopeful progress on stopper – Perri among top targets
👀 Waiting on Fulham striker search
🇧🇷 Still in on Paixao despite Marseille intent
🇧🇪 Ramazani loan interest
📋 Bakwa and El Khannouss options explored #lufc https://t.co/jhIKgkn2k1— Beren Cross (@BerenCross) July 24, 2025
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One alternative for Leeds could be RC Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa. Cross revealed he is someone they have their eye on already. Bakwa was linked alongside Bilal El Khannouss.
He wrote that he “is another wide option Leeds have explored. He is not being pursued at the moment, but could be someone they turn to.”
Dilane Bakwa’s career stats
His career goals and assists so far are not out of this world in the same way Paixao’s have been of late, but the 22-year-old still ticks many of the boxes Leeds need in and out of possession from their wingers next term.