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Igor Paixão Seals Move to Olympique Marseille After Transfer Battle
Olympique Marseille have signed Brazilian winger Igor Paixão from Feyenoord, beating a strong offer from Leeds United.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Marseille have agreed on a five-year deal for Paixão. They improved their bid, and both clubs signed the transfer. Paixão chose Marseille over Leeds United, even though Leeds offered more money. Leeds’ bid would have been a club record, as they raised their offer for Paixão to around €35 million. However, Paixão wanted to play in the Champions League. Last season, he contributed 9 goals and 8 assists in 34 league matches for Feyenoord, helping them qualify for Europe.
WHY THIS IS A BIG DEAL
This signing follows a strong bidding war. Leeds, managed by Daniel Farke, were eager to sign Paixão. They offered Feyenoord up to €35 million. However, Marseille met Feyenoord’s asking price and convinced Paixão to join them. Marseille finished second in the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season and will now play in the Champions League qualifiers. Leeds, promoted to the Premier League, will fight to stay in England’s top flight. Signing Paixão shows Marseille’s intent to bounce back under coach Roberto De Zerbi after finishing in 2nd place and only behind PSG last season.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Paixão will join his Marseille teammates before their Champions League opening match in September. OM aim to reach the group stages, which they last did in 2023. Paixão is expected to start right away. Marseille hope his speed and skill will help close the gap to last season’s winners PSG. For Leeds United, missing out on Paixão means rethinking their transfer strategy ahead of their Premier League opener against Everton, who finished 12th last season, and may be in a relegation battle with Leeds.