Igor Paixao runs with the ball for Marseille
Igor Paixao runs with the ball for Marseille
Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Sunderland target Igor Paixao has revealed that he is willing to take a pay cut to help Marseille amid their financial difficulties, while adding he believes if he does move then next summer is more likely than January.
Over the summer, Leeds United and Sunderland made approaches to bring the winger to England, but despite Marseille needing to raise funds, a deal failed to materialise.
Paixao caught the eye with 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions during his debut season at Marseille, attracting interest from the Black Cats, while Leeds had also been keen on the Brazilian before his move to France.
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While there was pressure for a summer sale, three key figures at Marseille, along with Paixao himself, were keen for the Brazilian to stay in France.
Despite that, Regis Le Bris’ side continued to push for a deal and even secured verbal terms with the Brazilian, only for Marseille to pull the plug before the transfer window closed.
However, Sunderland could yet have another opportunity to land the winger in the winter window, with the Black Cats continuing to view the 26-year-old as a target.
Paixao has featured in nine matches this term and provided an assist in Marseille’s win against Strasbourg.
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Season Position
2025–26 7th
2024–25 4th (Championship; promoted via play‑offs)
2023–24 16th (Championship)
2022–23 6th (Championship)
2021–22 5th (League One; promoted via play‑offs)
With Marseille facing financial difficulties, the Brazilian attacker has expressed his willingness to accept a reduction in his wages if it would help the French side, but admits he has not been asked to take a pay cut.
Paixao said on Canal+: “No, they haven’t discussed a pay cut with me.
“If it’s necessary to reduce your salary to help the club, that’s the best thing to do. To then increase it.
“We just need to have a discussion and decide on the best way to do that.”
The 26-year-old has four years remaining on his contract, which runs until 2030, while Marseille were seeking around €50m for his services over the summer, with former club Feyenoord entitled to 30 per cent of any future transfer fee.
Whether the French club would still demand a fee in that region remains to be seen.
The winger though does not expect a move in January.
“I don’t know, it’s difficult because in January the teams are already formed. There’s a better chance that I’ll leave next summer.”
Much could also depend on whether Paixao can reproduce, or come close to, last season’s numbers, as Sunderland weigh up whether to formalise their interest in the Brazilian with a bid.
The Black Cats strengthened their options on the wing on deadline day by bringing in Malick Fofana, who has made six appearances for the Stadium of Light side so far.