Igor Paixao has finally spoken to reporters about his move to Marseille from Feyenoord this summer, choosing to move to the Ligue 1 side over Leeds United.
It turned out to be a head-to-head battle for Paixao last month. The Brazilian winger was a strong target for Leeds and Adam Underwood put forward what he thought was enough to get the wide man to Leeds.
During the Paderborn game, Leeds got an email from Feyenoord. They confirmed that they had accepted a £30.2m offer from Leeds, and Leeds had agreed personal terms with the player’s representatives.
But there was always a worry for Underwood. The Leeds transfer chief always knew Paixao fancied a move to Marseille, and knew that if Marseille stumped up the cash, they would land Paixao’s signature.
Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty ImagesIgor Paixao speaks out on Marseille choice in press conference
Marseille’s sporting director Pablo Longoria finally upped his side’s initial offer to over £30m, and a deal was done. Leeds came close, to a player they thought was a genuine game changer in the final third.
A blow for Leeds, who are yet to bring in a replacement for Manor Solomon on the left. Speaking in his first press conference as a Marseille player, Paixao explains his decision to join Marseille over Leeds.
Asked what “motivated” him to join Marseille, he said: “That’s an easy question. OM is a club with values. It’s very special for me. I want to give my all. It’s a big responsibility, we’re going to do something great.”
Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty ImagesWho have Leeds been linked with since, as a replacement?
Immediately after reports said Paixao had chosen Marseille, Leeds were linked with Fiorentina’s Riccardo Sottil and Ajax ace Mika Godts. But Graham Smyth quickly denied Leeds were looking at Sottil or Godts.
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More concrete reports say that Leeds are keen on Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss. A meeting was held with El Khannouss’ camp last Wednesday, with Leeds making it clear they would pay his £24.5m exit clause.
Arsenal, Lazio and Leverkusen also want El Khannouss. Son Heung-min’s exit to LAFC could also see Spurs enter the race for El Khannouss, but that may open up the possibility of Solomon becoming available.