Leeds United's pursuit of Igor Paixao faces a fresh complication due to an internal dispute at Marseille over the winger's future. The French club's owner is pushing for a sale, but three senior figures are firmly against it.
Marseille's internal resistance
Club president Stephane Richard, sporting director Gregory Lorenzi and manager Bruno Genesio are all opposed to the idea of allowing Paixao to leave the Stade Velodrome. This stance puts them at odds with owner Frank McCourt, who is understood to be putting pressure on the club to finalise a sale. The disagreement comes with Marseille seeking a financial boost after failing to qualify for the Champions League, and Paixao is seen as a prime asset to cash in on.
Leeds's long-term interest
Leeds have tracked the Brazilian attacker for over a year, having pursued him last summer before he joined Marseille from Feyenoord. The club returned to the trail this month after missing out on other targets, but have not yet made a formal move. The valuation remains a sticking point, with Leeds viewing Paixao as a player worth around €35 million, while Marseille's owner is reportedly seeking €50 million.
Sunderland's advance
Sunderland have moved quickly and are currently in the strongest position, having reached a verbal agreement with Paixao over personal terms. The Black Cats can also offer European football this season, an advantage Leeds cannot match. Whether Leeds will firm up their interest with a concrete bid in the final days of the window is now the key question. The club's upcoming schedule, including a key derby, is available on our fixtures list.
The internal power battle at Marseille will be watched closely at Elland Road as the transfer deadline approaches. Leeds's activity, or lack of it, in the coming days will reveal their true intentions for a player they have admired for a long time.
