Leeds United have gone back into the market for Igor Paixao after missing out on Julian Brandt, with the club reopening talks with the Marseille winger's representatives as they continue to search for more attacking quality. Joe Gelhardt remains part of the wider picture as Leeds weigh up how to strengthen without losing control of their spending.
The key issue is simple enough. Daniel Farke's squad still lacks genuine width, and Paixao sits third on Leeds United's shortlist of wide forwards. That makes him an important option, even if the numbers involved show there is still a gap between what Leeds want to pay and what Marseille may be prepared to accept.
Leeds United's renewed push
After losing the race for Julian Brandt, Leeds United moved quickly to reopen talks with Paixao's representatives. It is a clear sign that the club are not standing still in the market, even with other major business already in motion.
Paixao's 2025/26 campaign underlines why he is attractive. He made 42 appearances in all competitions, scored 12 goals and added seven assists. In Ligue 1 he produced six goals and five assists in 30 matches, while he also scored four goals in eight Champions League appearances.
Those are the kind of numbers that explain why Leeds are interested. They are looking for attacking quality, and Paixao offers end product as well as versatility in wide areas.
The valuation gap remains obvious
There is, however, a clear financial challenge. Marseille want close to €50 million for the winger, while Leeds have been linked with figures around £29.9 million and €32 million to €35 million in the wider discussion around his value. That is a significant difference, and it could shape how hard Leeds are willing to push.
The situation matters even more because Leeds have already committed major money to strengthening their defence and are pressing ahead with a £45 million move for James Trafford. In other words, this is not a club shopping without limits. Every major decision has to fit into a broader plan.
Why width still matters for Farke
The football argument for Paixao is straightforward. Leeds need another winger because Farke's squad still lacks genuine width. That means the next signing in that area has to be reliable enough to change the balance of the team, not just add cover.
For Leeds, the task now is to decide whether Paixao is worth the price Marseille are demanding. If they can bridge the gap, he looks like the sort of player who would immediately strengthen the attack. If they cannot, the search for width will have to continue elsewhere.
What is clear is that Leeds are active, ambitious and still trying to solve the same problem: how to add enough quality in the final third without compromising the rest of the rebuild. Joe Gelhardt remains part of that conversation, but the bigger question is whether Paixao becomes the winger who finally gives Farke the balance he wants.
