Leeds United have plenty to do this summer, with only one attacking addition made so far to bolster Daniel Farke’s side ahead of a Premier League return.
Lukas Nmecha has been joined through the Elland Road door by three Leeds United additions in defensive areas, but they are not yet finished in attack.
At least a winger, a striker, and an attacking midfielder will be signed, and potentially more if Leeds make sales through other personnel in the attacking areas of the pitch.
In fact, one option has emerged in recent months. Leeds have been linked with a £34 million Igor Paixao switch, alongside other interested parties in the Premier League and beyond.
Igor Paixao celebrates after scoring for Feyenoord against Rotterdam.
Photo by ANP via Getty Images
Marseille push for Leeds target Igor Paixao
Paixao could be Leeds’ Georginio Rutter with the Feyenoord winger also a potential Manor Solomon replacement if he joins the club from the Eredivisie.
However, despite Leeds’ reported interest, Arsenal are also keen on Paixao, as well as Bayer Leverkusen keeping tabs on Paixao in the summer transfer market.
At one stage, it appeared Paixao might even green light Leeds’ interest after talks. However, nothing has materialised for a player who enjoyed a sensational campaign in the Netherlands last term.
More recently, Aston Villa have been linked to Paixao but the Brazilian could be headed for Ligue 1 and to play under Roberto De Zerbi at Olympique de Marseille.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
🚨EXCL: 🔵⚪️🇧🇷 #Ligue1 |
❗️Paixão veut rejoindre l'OM. L'ailier brésilien a ete convaincu par le projet olympien
💰 L'OM a proposé un prêt payant avec OA. Le Feyenoord veut une vente record et espère 40M€
➡️ Leverkusen et des clubs anglais sont intéressés… pic.twitter.com/QTRtghnBFE
— Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) July 8, 2025
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Journalist Santi Aouna states Paixao wants to join Marseille. The Brazilian winger has been convinced by their project, per his post on X/Twitter.
Interestingly, the French giants have offered a paid loan with an option to buy. Feyenoord want a club-record sale and hope for close to €40 million (circa. £34 million) while Leverkusen and English clubs are said to remain interested.
Igor Paixao looks on during Feyenoord's clash against PSV.
Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Missing out on Paixao would be a major blow to Leeds
Last season, Leeds spread the goals around their attack well, with seven players in the squad hitting more than 10 goal involvements.
Joel Piroe (26), Manor Solomon (23), and Dan James (21) were the only players to hit 20+ in all competitions. However, the Premier League is undoubtedly a step up and how that translates for each player isn’t exactly clear.
Season Appearances Goals Assists
2022/23 37 9 6
2023/24 45 12 4
2024/25 47 18 19
Paixao’s Feyenoord career (all comps)
Paixao is hitting the prime of his career at the age of 25 and is hugely exciting in terms of his output. He has improved season on season with Feyenoord as well.
His 37 goal involvements show his devastating ability for the Dutch outfit. He could have been an exciting option but interest is at a point where it will be difficult for them to achieve any sort of deal from this point.