Leeds United make new approach to sign Sottil after major Paixao transfer blow
Leeds United appeared to be on the verge of bringing Igor Paixao to Elland Road.
Following another twist in the transfer saga for the Brazilian winger, Leeds now look set to miss out on Paixao, who is on the brink of joining Marseille.
Paixao appeared to be the replacement for Manor Solomon, who returned to Tottenham Hotspur after his loan spell earlier in the summer.
However, this is no longer the case, and the 49ers are not wasting any time when it comes to looking at new targets.
Step forward, Riccardo Sottil.
Leeds turn their attention to Sottil
Whilst Paixao would have been a statement signing for Daniel Farke ahead of United’s return to the Premier League, Leeds must immediately move on with their opening game against Everton on the horizon.
Sottil has now emerged as another target for Leeds, with the 26-year-old currently playing for Fiorentina.
According to Tutto Mercato Web (29 July), the Italian winger did not leave for Fiorentina’s training camp in Birmingham as they prepare for the next Serie A campaign.
Sottil spent the second half of last season on loan at AC Milan and now looks set to leave Fiorentina again this summer.
Torino are said to be interested in the winger, and could propose a loan with an option to buy to Fiorentina, whilst Leeds are also said to be interested in securing Sottil’s services.
Leeds must do better than Sottil
If the Whites are intent on bringing in a marquee signing on that left-hand side this summer, it simply cannot be a winger who has scored three league goals in his last three seasons.
Timothy Weah is a potential alternative that Leeds could pursue, which would be a more inspiring addition to Farke’s squad compared to Sottil.
Even then, this may not replicate the excitement within the fanbase that the potential arrival of Paixao had garnered.
One day, Leeds looked to be signing a player who would come in and be their new Raphinha, and now they’re linked with a player in Sottil who recorded just one goal and one assist in Serie A last season.
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