Leeds United are set to miss out on key attacking target Igor Paixao, who is nearing a switch to Marseille for a fee of €35 million plus bonuses.

According to an update by reliable Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Igor Paixao will not join Leeds United, thus dealing a big blow to Daniel Farke’s aspirations ahead of the new season. The newly promoted Premier League side had hoped to convince the Brazilian over a switch a continue on their solid window, but the Feyenoord star is all set to join Marseille in a €35 million-plus agreement.

Leeds United have embarked on a carefully curated, yet ambitious window so far, as Daniel Farke is eager to have a squad capable of sustaining the rigours of the Premier League. The newly promoted side added Sean Longstaff recently from Newcastle United while making some more key signings before that.

Others include Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson and the free transfer of Lukas Nmecha. There are further links to midfielder Christantus Uche and Anton Stach, while Farke is hopeful of adding further to his attacking third with various reports linking them to a wide forward as well as a No.9.

One player who will not join Leeds United is Igor Paixao, who seems to be on the verge of completing a €35 million-plus move to Marseille. Leeds United held a big interest in the Brazilian after a tremendous season with Feyenoord, where he scored or assisted 37 times across all competitions.

There were many teams keen on Paixao since January, and going by recent reports, it appeared Leeds United were very close to his camp over a move. However, the forward has snubbed the idea of playing for a newly-promoted Premier League side in favour of Champions League-playing Marseille.

Leeds United need to address the attacking department

The arrival of Nmecha on a free transfer certainly improves their squad, but Farke wants the club to do more in this window. Hence, the idea of signing Paixao will have been an ambitious mark on their business this summer, as the Brazilian, who contributed to 37 goals last season, would have added flair and goalscoring prowess on this side.

They are also looking to address Mateo Joseph’s situation following a low-ball loan bid from Real Betis. If a new forward fails to arrive, Joseph might stay put. However, in the context of the season ahead, Leeds United certainly need to address a new wide forward as well as a No.9 to further improve upon their attacking options ahead of the new campaign.