NafisaLeeds United’s search for another attacking option has taken an uncomfortable turn, with one of their main targets potentially becoming even harder to land before the summer transfer window closes.
Daniel Farke has already seen his squad improve considerably during the window, but there is still a feeling that more attacking quality is required.
The issue is particularly relevant on the left side.
Leeds have options in the position, but relying entirely on the players already available could leave Farke exposed over the course of a long Premier League campaign.
That is why recruitment in the position remains on the agenda.
And one particular name has emerged as the leading candidate.
Leeds want more competition on the left
Noah Okafor’s form during 2026 played an important role in helping Leeds secure Premier League survival under Farke.
The Swiss winger provided pace and attacking threat at a crucial stage of the campaign, but his fitness record remains a concern.
Leeds also have Dominic Calvert-Lewin to consider, meaning Farke cannot afford to build his attacking plans around players who may not be available consistently throughout the season.
Adding another quality attacker would therefore give the manager greater flexibility.
It would also provide genuine competition for places rather than leaving Leeds dependent on a small number of players.
The club appear to have identified their preferred solution.
The name at the top of Leeds’ shortlist:
Igor Paixao has emerged as the standout option for the left-wing position.
The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive first campaign with Marseille and has subsequently attracted interest from clubs looking to strengthen in attack.
Leeds are understood to be interested in bringing him to Elland Road, but the financial side of the deal could prove problematic.
The Whites are reportedly prepared to spend around £30 million on Paixao.
That is a substantial investment.
Unfortunately for Leeds, it still falls considerably short of Marseille’s current valuation.
And now there is another potential complication.
Saudi Arabia could enter the race
According to an update from Santi Aouna, Marseille are preparing for the possibility of receiving an offer from Saudi Arabia for Paixao.
That development could seriously complicate Leeds’ hopes of securing the winger.
Marseille are reportedly looking for around €50 million (£42.75m) before considering a sale.
That figure is significantly above what Leeds are currently thought to be willing to pay.
The financial landscape is therefore obvious.
If a Saudi club arrives with an offer close to Marseille’s asking price, Leeds could find themselves struggling to compete.
The Premier League club may have the appeal of English football and Farke’s project, but Saudi Arabian clubs can potentially offer a completely different financial package.
Marseille have a difficult decision
There is an interesting question surrounding Marseille’s position, though.
The French club have their own financial pressures and need to generate funds to conduct further business.
Ordinarily, that might encourage them to accept a sizeable offer from Leeds rather than waiting for a potentially better proposal that may or may not arrive.
Instead, Marseille appear prepared to hold firm on their valuation.
That could mean they genuinely expect interest from Saudi Arabia.
Alternatively, it could be a negotiating tactic designed to encourage Leeds to increase their offer.
The timing is particularly interesting.
With the end of August approaching, clubs have less time to complete major transfers.
If Marseille genuinely believe a Saudi offer is coming, they have little reason to accept Leeds’ current proposal.
But if no such bid materialises, their position could become more complicated.
Leeds cannot afford to wait forever
From Leeds’ perspective, the biggest concern is what happens if Paixao becomes unavailable and the club have spent too much time pursuing one target.
Farke needs another attacker.
The Whites cannot afford to reach the final days of the window without a suitable alternative lined up.
That does not necessarily mean Leeds will abandon their interest in Paixao.
If the Brazilian remains their preferred target, the club could still decide to push harder financially.
But there has to be a limit.
Paying significantly above their initial valuation simply because another club has entered the picture would carry its own risks.
Leeds have worked hard to strengthen the squad without losing sight of financial discipline.
They will not want one transfer to undo that approach.
A waiting game begins:
For now, the situation appears to be heading towards a waiting game.
Marseille want €50m.
Leeds are reportedly around the £30m mark.
And Saudi Arabian interest could potentially bridge that gap for the French club.
That leaves Leeds in an awkward position.
They can improve their offer and attempt to convince Marseille that a Premier League deal is the right solution, or they can stand firm and prepare to move towards another target.
There is also the possibility that the expected Saudi bid never arrives.
If that happens, Marseille may eventually have to reconsider their demands.
For Leeds supporters, that could be the most important development of all.
Paixao remains a player on the club’s shortlist and would represent another exciting attacking addition to Farke’s squad.
But with Marseille seemingly waiting for a much bigger offer, the Whites may have to move quickly.
And if a Saudi club really does arrive with the money Marseille are demanding, Leeds could suddenly find themselves watching one of their preferred targets disappear from the market.
Nafisa
