Leeds United have been handed a fresh opportunity to land a lightning-quick winger they chased last summer, but Aston Villa could once again stand in their way.
Twelve months ago, as Leeds prepared for their return to the Premier League, the club invested significant effort into trying to sign Brazilian wide man Igor Paixão. However, the 26-year-old ultimately opted to join Marseille instead. Now, according to French publication L’Equipe, Leeds have revived their interest and could make another attempt to bring him to Elland Road.
Yet Daniel Farke’s side may not have a clear run at the attacker. Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation, raising the possibility of another transfer battle for the highly-rated Brazilian.
Leeds and Aston Villa weighing up moves for Paixão
Despite producing a solid first campaign in France, Paixão could be available this summer as Marseille look to reduce both their squad size and wage commitments after missing out on Champions League qualification.
The winger registered 12 goals and six assists during the 2025/26 season. While those numbers fell short of the impressive figures he posted during his time at Feyenoord, they still represented a respectable return following Marseille’s €30 million (£26m) investment.
Financial pressures mean Marseille are willing to listen to offers, but only at the right price. Reports suggest the Ligue 1 club value Paixão at around €50 million (£43m), a figure that would generate a healthy profit on their original purchase.
Whether Leeds or Aston Villa are willing to meet that valuation remains uncertain.
Leeds are believed to rate the player closer to €35 million (£30m), creat
ing a sizeable gap between the two clubs’ valuations that could complicate negotiations. Villa’s assessment has not been disclosed, but the Midlands side are also expected to be cautious with spending.
Villa’s financial concerns could help Leeds
Although Aston Villa recently received a major boost from the sale of Morgan Rogers, the club remains under pressure to comply with UEFA’s financial regulations.
The Villans were hit with a €22.5 million (£19.5m) fine after breaching UEFA’s squad-cost rules in 2025. While creative financial manoeuvres helped them remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, those measures did not satisfy UEFA’s regulations.
As a result, Villa must tread carefully in the transfer market and risk facing harsher sanctions if they exceed spending limits again.
According to L’Equipe, Villa have made preliminary enquiries regarding Paixão, although it remains unclear whether those discussions involved Marseille directly or the player’s representatives. If the financial demands prove excessive, Villa may decide to withdraw, potentially leaving Leeds with a clearer path.
Leeds’ interest, meanwhile, appears more concrete given their determined pursuit of the winger last year. However, Marseille’s asking price remains a major obstacle, and the Whites may hope the French club softens its stance if other planned player sales fail to materialise.
Would Paixão suit Leeds or Aston Villa?
Paixão established himself as one of Europe’s most exciting wide attackers during his final season at Feyenoord, where he recorded 18 goals and 14 assists.
Blessed with explosive acceleration, sharp close control and an eye for goal, the Brazilian regularly tormented defenders in the Eredivisie. His finishing was particularly impressive, with 16 league goals coming from just 10.56 expected goals (xG), highlighting his clinical nature in front of goal.
His first season in France was less spectacular. He attempted fewer dribbles, his crossing efficiency declined and his overall attacking influence became less consistent. Nevertheless, he still contributed six Ligue 1 goals from 6.45 xG and added four goals in eight Champions League appearances, including a memorable brace against Ajax.
While Paixão remained productive, he did not consistently display the devastating form that made him such a standout performer in the Netherlands.
For Leeds, a move could also raise tactical questions. Farke’s switch to a successful 3-5-2 system means a traditional left winger may not fit as naturally into the current setup as he would have a year ago.
Combined with Marseille’s lofty valuation and the player’s mixed first season in Ligue 1, there are understandable reasons for caution from both Leeds and Aston Villa.
Still, the potential reward is obvious. At his best, Paixão offers blistering speed, exceptional dribbling ability and a proven goal threat. If either club believes they can unlock the version of the Brazilian that dazzled at Feyenoord, a move could yet become one of the most intriguing transfer stories of the summer.
