Igor Paixao appeared to be on the verge of a move to Marseille this summer, but offers from the French club continue to fall shore of Feyenoord’s asking price, bringing negotiations to a standstill. The Brazilian remains in high-demand, and with Marseille’s buying power weakened, long-term admirers Roma are ready to reignite their interest.
Igor Paixao to Marseille in Danger of Collapsing
Marseille looked to have been in pole position for highly-coveted Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, but negotiations between the two clubs have all but concluded, after disagreements over his transfer fee.
Marseille’s latest offer, believed to be in the region of $32 million, was swiftly rejected by the Dutch club, who are standing firm on their estimation of $40m-plus.
Feyenoord insist they will not be pressured into a sale given Paixao has four years left on his contract. His market value has also skyrocketed by $25 million in the space of a year, having scooped Eredivisie’s Player of the Year award, as well as the golden boot.
A standout season in the Netherlands has pricked the ears of Europe’s elite. Such is the rarity of a winger who is able to rack up double digits for goals and assists, his new-found status has strengthened Feyenoord’s position at the bidding table.
Roma and Leeds Ready to Pounce For Paixao
Interest from Premier League newcomers, Leeds, has reportedly accelerated in light of Marseille’s missteps, and a bid worth $40m is believed to have been tabled.
The Brazilian, who is following in the footsteps of famous compatriots such as Ronaldo and Romario at Feyenoord, has been top of Daniel Farke’s shopping list this summer.
It is likely that Feyenoord will demand more given other bidders are expected to weigh in, but offshore sportsbooks now favor the Whites in the race for Paixao.
Elsewhere, previous interest from Serie A has remained a constant, as teams wait in the wings to negotiate. Atalanta are not expected to table a bid after bringing in Kamaldeen Sulemana from Sunderland, but FootItalia understands Roma’s well-documented search for a new winger could force them back into the market.
Although new manager Gian Piero Gasperin has requested Giorgio Scalvini as Roma’s priority, he has also specifically asked for an explosive, dynamic winger to elevate their attack.
Much like Inter Milan target Ademola Lookman, whom Gasperini utilized to great effect at Atalanta, Paixao possesses an electrifying skillset that not only makes him easy on the eye, but also hugely effective when it comes to goal contributions.
38 goals and 29 assists across three seasons at Feyenoord is consistently positive output, and as such, Roma are prepared to go toe-to-toe with Leeds for his services.
