NafisaLeeds United’s transfer business may be far from finished despite an encouraging summer that has already strengthened several key areas of Daniel Farke’s squad.
The Whites have addressed important weaknesses ahead of the new Premier League season, bringing in Tarik Muharemovic to help replace Pascal Struijk, while Harry Wilson has added proven quality and end product in the attacking department.
Meanwhile, the long-awaited arrival of James Trafford continues to edge closer, with Leeds confident of completing a club-record move for the England international to solve their goalkeeping situation.
But behind the scenes, the recruitment team remain determined to add even more firepower before the transfer window slams shut.
Creativity remains a priority.
The failure to land Julian Brandt forced Leeds to reassess their shortlist, and attention has now shifted back towards a player the club have admired for some time.
That player is Marseille winger Igor Paixão.
Leeds were keen on signing the Brazilian before his move to France, and according to recent reports, Daniel Farke has once again identified him as one of the leading candidates to strengthen the attack.
Perhaps the biggest encouragement for Leeds, however, has nothing to do with negotiations.
Instead, it comes from something Paixão openly admitted several years ago.
Speaking to GE Globo back in 2022, the Brazilian revealed that playing in England’s top flight has always been one of the biggest ambitions of his career.
He said:
“The Premier League is a dream for me. Making it to the national team is another goal.”
Those comments are likely to give Leeds confidence that the player would be open to a move should the two clubs eventually agree on a transfer fee.
Paixão has certainly done everything possible to put himself on the radar of Premier League clubs.
Across his spells with Feyenoord and Marseille over the past two seasons, the winger has produced an outstanding 38 goal contributions in just 64 league appearances, establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous wide attackers.
His pace, direct running and eye for goal are exactly the type of qualities Leeds are hoping to add before the new campaign begins.
There could also be another factor working in Leeds’ favour.
Former Elland Road favourite Raphinha earned his first senior Brazil call-up while starring for Leeds in the Premier League before eventually securing his blockbuster move to Barcelona.
Paixão, who is still waiting for his first senior Brazil appearance, knows that performing consistently in England dramatically increases his chances of catching the attention of the national team selectors.
At 26 years old, time is beginning to become a factor.
A successful move to Leeds would not only allow him to fulfil his long-standing ambition of playing in the Premier League, but it could also offer one final opportunity to realise his dream of representing Brazil on the international stage.
For Leeds, that ambition may prove to be one of the biggest advantages as they continue exploring what could become another statement signing before the transfer window closes.
Nafisa
