Bidding war intensifies: New offer submitted in Marseille-Leeds standoff

 

DE ZERBI FIGHTS BACK: MARSEILLE READY IMPROVED OFFER AS LEEDS GAIN EDGE IN PAIXAO CHASE

Olympique de Marseille are making a last-ditch effort to secure the signing of Igor Paixão, as the French side accelerates negotiations under increasing pressure from both Leeds United and Feyenoord.

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward, currently with Feyenoord, has become a hot property in the summer transfer market after a breakout season in the Eredivisie. His pace, technical flair, and ability to play across the front line have attracted attention from multiple clubs — but Marseille are now scrambling to get a deal over the line before it's too late.

Marseille’s hierarchy, eager to inject pace and goals into a squad undergoing heavy restructuring, have prioritized Paixão as a key attacking reinforcement. With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang facing uncertainty over his future and the club looking to lower the average age of the forward line, Paixão represents both immediate impact and long-term upside.

However, the Ligue 1 giants face stiff competition. Leeds United, newly promoted back to the Premier League, are pushing aggressively with a financially attractive offer. The English club see Paixão as a dynamic forward who could thrive in a fast-paced, physical environment and give them an edge in their top-flight return.

Feyenoord, meanwhile, are attempting to convince the player to stay one more season, reportedly offering a contract extension and improved terms. Having developed Paixão into a reliable attacking threat, the Dutch club are reluctant to lose him just as he’s hitting his stride — especially with Champions League football on the horizon.

Paixão, for his part, is said to be open to the move to Marseille, drawn by the prospect of playing in a competitive league, under the lights at the Stade Vélodrome, and in front of one of Europe’s most passionate fan bases. But time is running out, and negotiations are reaching a critical juncture.

With Marseille needing to offload a player or two to finalize the financial package, and Leeds continuing to apply pressure behind the scenes, the race for Igor Paixão is set to go down to the wire.