NafisaLeeds United’s search for another high-profile attacking signing has been given a potentially significant boost, with long-term target Igor Paixao seemingly becoming a more realistic option for Daniel Farke.
The Whites have already made a number of impressive additions this summer, most notably James Trafford, Tarik Muharemovic and Harry Wilson, but there is still a feeling that the squad could benefit from another difference-maker in attack before the transfer window closes.
The need has become particularly obvious on the left side.
Gabriel Gudmundsson is currently sidelined with injury, while Noah Okafor only recently returned to pre-season after a delayed start. Although Dan James has been given opportunities in that position, Leeds would still benefit from having another high-quality option capable of making a difference when the Premier League campaign gets underway.
And that is where Paixao could come into the picture.
Leeds United still searching for attacking quality
Leeds’ interest in Julian Brandt provided perhaps the clearest indication yet that Farke and the recruitment team want to add another top-level attacking player.
The Germany international ultimately chose Ajax, bringing that particular pursuit to an end, but it does not appear to have changed Leeds’ desire to strengthen in the final third.
Okafor remains an important part of Farke’s plans, but relying entirely on him on the left would carry an obvious risk given his previous injury problems.
Leeds simply cannot afford to find themselves without a natural option in that position during a long Premier League campaign.
That was evident during the recent friendly against RB Leipzig.
James started on the left and showed flashes of his usual energy and directness, but he was unable to turn the opportunities created by Leeds’ attacking play into the sort of decisive contribution Farke would have wanted.
The issue is not necessarily that James cannot play there.
It is that Leeds need competition.
They need another player capable of coming into the side without causing a significant drop in quality.
Paixao would certainly provide that.
Aston Villa decision could open door for Leeds
The Brazilian has been a long-standing Leeds target.
Twelve months ago, the Whites were desperate to bring Paixao to Elland Road, but the winger ultimately chose Marseille and the opportunity to play Champions League football.
A year later, however, the circumstances are very different.
Marseille are reportedly under financial pressure and need to generate funds, with high-earning players potentially available for transfer.
Paixao is among the players whose future could therefore become increasingly uncertain.
The 26-year-old has continued to demonstrate his quality during Marseille’s pre-season campaign, further strengthening the argument that he could be an excellent addition for Leeds.
But there had been one obvious concern.
Aston Villa were also believed to have made checks on Paixao, and their ability to offer European football would potentially have given them a major advantage over Leeds.
That threat may now have disappeared.
According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Villa are no longer looking for a left-winger.
That is potentially excellent news for Leeds.
Villa have already strengthened in that area with the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea, making it understandable that they would not want to spend heavily on another left-sided attacker who would expect regular football.
For Leeds, it removes one of the most obvious Premier League competitors from the equation.
Paixao continues to make his case
Interestingly, Paixao himself has done little to weaken his appeal during Marseille’s pre-season schedule.
After finding the net with a header against Qatari side Al-Shahania, the Brazilian produced another eye-catching moment against Athletic Club, scoring a superb effort from outside the box.
Those performances are only likely to increase the attention surrounding him.
Paixao remains a player with the technical ability to change games, particularly from the left side where his ability to carry the ball, cut inside and create opportunities can cause serious problems.
And that is precisely the profile Leeds appear to be searching for.
Farke does not simply need another body.
He needs someone capable of raising the ceiling of his attack.
Leeds could now accelerate Paixao pursuit
There is still a long way to go before Leeds can consider a deal close.
Paixao remains a Marseille player, and any transfer would depend on the French club’s willingness to sell, as well as Leeds being prepared to meet the financial demands involved.
But the circumstances are becoming increasingly interesting.
Villa potentially dropping out of the race removes one major obstacle.
Marseille’s financial situation could make Paixao more attainable.
And Leeds remain one of the clubs with a long-standing interest in the player.
There is also the personal element.
Paixao chose Marseille over Leeds last summer because the French club offered Champions League football.
Leeds could not compete with that proposition at the time.
Now, however, the situation has changed.
The Whites have established themselves back in the Premier League, are showing serious ambition in the transfer market and have already demonstrated their willingness to spend significant money on players they believe can make a difference.
The club-record signing of Trafford is perhaps the clearest example.
And, as Leeds showed with the pursuit of Wilson, making a player feel genuinely wanted can be an important part of convincing them.
Paixao already knows Leeds want him.
If Marseille decide the time is right to sell and Villa are genuinely no longer interested, the path to Elland Road suddenly looks considerably clearer.
Leeds still need to decide whether to accelerate their pursuit.
But with every passing day, Paixao is looking less like a forgotten transfer dream from last summer and more like a realistic opportunity that Farke and the Leeds hierarchy could finally revisit.
Nafisa
