Leeds United in final sprint to sign Igor Paixao, touches down in Brazil
Leeds United could pull off their biggest signing in years as they close in on Igor Paixao.
With Jaka Bijol and Lucas Perri both recently signing for the West Yorkshire outfit, the 49ers have secured players who elevate Daniel Farke’s squad to new levels.
Whilst Farke still needs more squad players in certain areas of his side, it is these marquee signings like Bijol and Perri that prove the allure that Leeds have when they are in the Premier League.
Paixao could become the latest arrival to fit this description, with the Brazilian winger having multiple European clubs interested in his signature at Feyenoord.
Leeds are prepared to outbid Marseille to land Paixao
It is no secret that Leeds are not the only club interested in Paixao, with Marseille and Roma attempting to tempt the 25-year-old to France and Italy, respectively.
According to reports from L’Equipe (27 July), Marseille have already had two bids rejected by Feyenoord for their star man, with their latest offer totalling £24.5million including bonuses.
Their reluctance to meet Feyenoord’s demands has opened the door for Leeds, who appear to be on the verge of reaching an agreement for Paixao, with a pleasing offer of £28million with bonuses on the table.
Paixao has been back in Brazil to receive treatment for an injury, as Leeds enter the “final sprint”.
Paixao provides Farke with valuable options
Given the fee the Brazilian is demanding, you would assume Paixao would be Farke’s primary option on the left wing.
Dan James is coming off the back of a fantastic campaign in the Championship and is evidently favoured by Farke, making him the obvious choice to start down the right.
Behind them, Leeds still possesses two incredibly talented players in Largie Ramazani and Willy Gnonto, with the German manager arguably mismanaging both players.
Given their talents, both players should have featured more last season, and as the Whites prepare to attempt to avoid the drop, it will be crucial that Farke trusts his entire squad and utilises the likes of Gnonto in their stronger position more next season.
Whilst both Ramazani and Gnonto are unlikely to start every game, they are far too good to simply rot on the bench and must receive minutes despite the imminent arrival of Paixao.
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