Igor Paixao has explained why his £35million Sunderland move failed and opened up on what he wanted during the summer window
Sunderland summer transfer target Igor Paixao has opened up on his failed move away from Marseille and admitted playing in the Premier League remains a “dream”.
The Black Cats pushed to sign the Brazilian winger during the closing stages of the summer transfer window, with talks advancing before Marseille ultimately decided to keep the 26-year-old. Paixao has now confirmed that his future was the subject of significant discussion at the time, although he insists he was happy to remain in France.
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“I didn’t want to leave. I still don’t want to leave,” Paixao told Brazilian outlet Band. “It was a bit intense, with the club putting all of the players on the transfer list. I chose to stay to help my team. We can’t recruit new players; there wouldn’t have been replacements.”
Marseille’s financial situation had prompted interest in several of their most valuable players, with Sunderland among the clubs pursuing Paixao. Reports at the time placed his valuation at around £35million. Sunderland eventually moved elsewhere and completed a dramatic deadline-day deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, paying around £31million after beating Crystal Palace to his signature.
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Paixao, though, has left the door open to England in the future. He added that playing in the Premier League remains a “dream” and suggested a strong season could create fresh opportunities next summer. There is currently no suggestion Sunderland intend to revive their interest, but Paixao’s comments mean the possibility of an eventual move to England remains firmly alive.
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