Olympique de Marseille have successfully completed negotiations with Feyenoord for the transfer of Brazilian winger Igor Paixao, according to French media reports. According to a report from La Provence, Olympique de Marseille have reached a full agreement with Dutch club Feyenoord over the transfer of Igor Paixão (25), overtaking Premier League side Leeds United in the process for the player.
The 25-year-old Brazilian is now authorized to travel to Marseille for his medical examination following the breakthrough in negotiations. French journalist Fabrice Hawkins confirmed the development, reporting “Total agreement with Feyenoord for Igor Paixao. He is authorized to travel to Marseille for his medical examination.” This development represents a major blow for Leeds United, who had been pursuing the winger throughout the summer.
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Leeds’ €32 Million Bid Falls Short
Leeds United had made their intentions clear with a substantial offer to secure Paixao’s services. Earlier today L’Équipe reported that Les Olympiens were preparing a new bid for the winger, with Leeds United threatening to swoop for Paixão, sending an offer to Feyenoord worth €32m plus bonuses. Despite their competitive bid, the Yorkshire club has been outmaneuvered by Marseille’s persistence and improved terms.
Marseille’s Persistent Pursuit Pays Off
The French club’s determination to land Paixao has finally paid dividends after multiple rejected offers. The Ligue 1 side had seen two offers worth €16m and €28m rejected by the Dutch club before eventually reaching terms that satisfied all parties. Their final proposal successfully convinced Feyenoord to part ways with their prized asset.
The transfer saga had developed into an intense three-way race between major European clubs. In a thrilling transfer showdown, Roma, Leeds, and Marseille vie for the signature of Feyenoord’s dynamic forward, Igor Paixao. Roma had also shown interest in the Brazilian, but Marseille’s decisive action in the final stages secured the deal.
Player’s Feyenoord Legacy
Paixao has established himself as one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting talents since joining from Brazilian club Coritiba. Igor Paixao has been one of the best attackers in the Eredivisie since joining Feyenoord from Coritiba FC in August 2022. His performances in Rotterdam have attracted attention from across Europe, making him one of the summer’s most sought-after wingers.
The deal is excellent business for Feyenoord, who originally invested €4.5 million to bring Paixao from Brazil. Igor Paixão’s current transfer value is between €35M and €42.7M. His last transfer was from Coritiba to Feyenoord in 2022. Feyenoord paid Coritiba €4.5M for Igor Paixão. The significant profit margin shows the Dutch club’s ability to develop and sell talent at premium prices.
Versatile Attacking Option
Marseille are acquiring a player capable of operating in multiple attacking positions. Igor Paixão has also been used as an inside forward and as a wide playmaker. This versatility makes him an attractive addition to Roberto De Zerbi’s tactical setup, providing options across the front line.
The Yorkshire club must now turn their attention to alternative targets after missing out on their primary summer objective. Paixao, 25, would be the biggest addition to Daniel Farke’s squad, but his departure to France forces Leeds to reconsider their recruitment strategy with time running short before the new season.
Marseille’s Ambitious Project
This signing continues Marseille’s ambitious transfer strategy as they look to challenge for European competition places. The addition of Paixao adds pace and creativity to their attacking options, giving them a genuine game-changer who can create moments of magic in crucial situations.
While the agreement between clubs is complete, the transfer still requires completion of medical examinations and personal terms finalization. However, with the player given permission to travel and undergo his medical, these formalities are expected to be straightforward.
