Leeds United have not got their hands on Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao, and it forces the club’s recruitment staff to comb over alternative targets this week and beyond.
While Leeds’ defence and midfield have been subject to measured and effective recruitment in order to raise the physical profile of the squad, the attack is where the 49ers will hope to make their statements of intent ahead of the Premier League.
The first priority target, however, is going elsewhere after the club’s improved bid for Igor Paixao didn’t yield an agreement.
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Could Leeds United turn to Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa?
Of other credible links to wingers we’ve seen over the past few weeks, Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa – per The Athletic – is one that’s caught the eye.
“Dilane Bakwa, a 22-year-old who played as a winger and wing-back for Strasbourg last season, is another wide option Leeds have explored. He is not being pursued at the moment, but could be someone they turn to,” Beren Cross wrote.
(REUTERS/Christian Hartmann)
Bakwa may not currently be at the same consistency in performance as Paixao at Feyenoord, but is playing in a stronger league and is three years Paixao’s junior, therefore with potential for a higher ceiling in his career.
Leeds’ attention is expected to shift to new targets imminently after their Paixao setback, and while they weren’t claimed to be active in their pursuit at the time, could shift into gear now.
Strasbourg sign new winger talent amid Leeds’ interest in Bakwa
Should Leeds be eyeing a move for Bakwa, Strasbourg may have opened the door for a potential winger sale through their own incoming activity.
The French side are closing in on the signing of Southampton winger Samuel Edozie, seemingly pipping Club Brugge to the signing of the former Man City winger, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
Edozie, 22, can play on the left and right wing and might make Strasbourg more receptive to a sale of Bakwa.
Dilane Bakwa wouldn’t be a like-for-like alternative to Igor Paixao, but would be great for Leeds United anyway
There are differences between Paixao and Bakwa, but both have superb speed and footwork, while Bakwa’s six goals and nine assists in Ligue 1 (while playing often at wing-back) show his quality.
He would also fill an important gap in the squad as a left-footer that prefers the right wing, with no other attacker in our side having that skillset.
The pressure has ramped up on the board to get the high calibre winger signing through the doors now that Paixao is off the table, but Bakwa would get fans off their seats too.
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