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Promoted Leeds United Eye Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao Amid Growing Premier League Interest
Igor Paixao, the talented Brazilian forward currently starring for Feyenoord, has emerged as a potential transfer target for Leeds United following their promotion to the Premier League. The 24-year-old attacker, who joined the Rotterdam-based club from Brazil in 2022, has caught the eye of several English top-flight clubs.
Leeds are reportedly among the teams that have made direct inquiries about Paixao’s availability, according to Dutch media reports. The forward’s versatility allows him to operate effectively across various attacking roles, whether as a winger or a forward tasked with stretching defenses—making him an attractive option for Daniel Farke’s squad as they prepare for the challenges of Premier League football. Brighton & Hove Albion are also understood to be monitoring the player’s situation.
Dutch outlet Algemeen Dagblad confirms that Feyenoord has received interest not only from Premier League sides but also from French club Marseille. However, no formal bids have been submitted at this stage.
The report highlights Feyenoord’s awareness that Paixao could be “plucked away” by a club willing to meet their valuation. After an impressive season marked by solid playing time, goal contributions, and assists, the Dutch club expects a substantial transfer fee, with figures reportedly starting at around €40 million. Despite this, there is no urgency for the club to sell, as Paixao remains an important figure at De Kuip.
Paixao is under contract with Feyenoord for another four years, which places the Dutch club in a strong position during any potential negotiations. Still, Leeds’ financial readiness following promotion could see them meet or approach Feyenoord’s asking price if they are determined to secure his signature.
The forward’s rising stock was further enhanced by his first call-up to Brazil’s senior national team in February, a milestone that rewarded his consistent performances in the Eredivisie. Throughout the 2024-25 season, Paixao mainly featured as a winger, helping Feyenoord secure a third-place league finish in a campaign that had its ups and downs, including the departure of head coach Brian Priske.
With Priske replaced by former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie, Feyenoord are likely to be active in the transfer market themselves this summer. They may need to reinforce their attacking options if Paixao follows in the footsteps of fellow forward Zepiqueno Redmond, who recently left for Aston Villa.
For Leeds, bringing in Paixao would represent a valuable upgrade to their attacking ranks. The club’s last six promotions to the Premier League have all ended in relegation, underscoring the need for reinforcements to ensure survival. Leeds appear to have the financial resources to pursue such targets.
Paixao’s 2024-25 stats — 16 league goals and 10 assists, plus goals in the Champions League — demonstrate his quality and consistency. Leeds currently have a group of forwards including Joel Piroe, Dan James, Wilfried Gnonto, Mateo Joseph, and Patrick Bamford, but few possess extensive Premier League experience.
With the club unlikely to compete for established Premier League strikers, targeting a proven talent from a league known for developing players who succeed in England seems a pragmatic strategy. Igor Paixao fits that profile perfectly and could be a crucial signing for Leeds as they aim to consolidate their place in the top tier.
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