(Credit: Imago)

Leeds United make new approach to sign Sottil after major Paixao transfer blow

Niall is a lifelong Leeds United supporter who began reporting on MOT Leeds News in July 2025 after initially joining Breaking Media a month earlier. He graduated from Leeds Beckett University with a first class degree in Sports Journalism in 2024 and has covered Leeds for multiple other websites. After attending Elland Road for the first time as a youngster with United in League One, Niall hopes to see Leeds reclaim their spot in the Champions League and get back to competing for the Premier League.

Published on:

29 Jul 2025, 4:40 am

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.

Paraag Marathe and Co. must move on to finding other alternatives (Credit: Imago)

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.

Daniel Farke looking stressed as Leeds boss

Farke will be disappointed after missing out on Paixao (Credit: Imago)

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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Daniel Farke

Igor Paixao