SUNDERLAND SUBMIT £30M BID FOR MARSEILLE STAR AS CLUB-RECORD TRANSFER MOVES CLOSER
The Black Cats have submitted a £30m bid for Marseille winger Igor Paixao — and talks are ongoing with just days left before the transfer deadline. Marseille’s sporting director has confirmed there is “no power struggle” but financial constraints could force a sale.
The Bid That Could Smash Sunderland’s Record
Sunderland have made one of the most ambitious moves of the summer transfer window . The Black Cats have submitted a bid for Marseille winger Igor Paixao, with the Brazilian valued at around £30m .
The 26-year-old joined Marseille from Feyenoord last season for a €30m fee . Now, just 12 months later, the Brazilian could be on his way to Wearside . Sunderland’s bid would comfortably surpass their current transfer record — the €31.5m (£27m) paid for Habib Diarra last summer.
Marseille sporting director Grégory Lorenzi confirmed to Canal Plus that talks are ongoing: “There are still a few days left in the transfer window, and lots of things can happen. He is a player that is sought after.”
He added that Marseille have financial constraints from UEFA and French football’s financial watchdog that mean they have to find solutions: “It isn’t easy.”
The Marseille Factor
Marseille are in a tricky position. They want to keep Paixao, but they are under pressure to sell due to financial constraints .
Lorenzi admitted: “We want to keep our best players, and Igor is an important player for OM. It doesn’t mean that he will leave.”
But he also confirmed the club has financial limitations: “There are also financial constraints (from the DNCG and UEFA) that mean that we have to find solutions. It isn’t easy.”
Sunderland owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus — whose family owned Marseille for two decades — is personally involved in the pursuit . He still holds a 5% stake in the French club, adding a fascinating layer to the negotiations .
The Competition
Sunderland are not alone in the race for Paixao. Arsenal have also shown interest . Marseille are confident of keeping the forward despite the interest .
But Sunderland are the club making the most aggressive move. With days left before the transfer window closes, the Black Cats are pushing hard to get a deal over the line .
The Bigger Picture: Sunderland’s Ambitious Window
The Paixao bid is just one part of Sunderland’s ambitious summer.
The Black Cats are also pushing for Geny Catamo, with the Mozambique international’s €60m (£51m) release clause still on the table . Sporting CP have been holding firm, but Sunderland are prepared to trigger the clause if necessary . The player has been offered a salary five times higher than his current wages .
Additionally, Sunderland are exploring a loan move for Jack Grealish, with the Manchester City star available for a temporary departure . The 30-year-old entered the final year of his contract and spent last season on loan at Everton .
The Black Cats have already brought in Thomas Meunier (free), Dayann Methalie (£25.7m), and Jules Ahoka (£8m) this summer .
Combined, Sunderland are looking at a potential spending spree of over £80m. That would make them one of the biggest spenders in the Premier League this summer .
What Happens Next?
Sunderland have until September 1 to get their deals done .
The Paixao negotiation is ongoing. Marseille want to keep him, but financial constraints mean they may have to sell . Sunderland are pushing hard to reach a breakthrough .
The Catamo pursuit is also continuing. Sporting CP are holding firm on their valuation, but Sunderland are considering triggering the release clause .
The Grealish loan is another option Sunderland are exploring .
The next few days will be crucial. If Sunderland can get a deal over the line for one of these targets, it would send a message: the Black Cats mean business.
The Verdict
Sunderland have made one of the most ambitious moves of the summer, submitting a £30m bid for Marseille winger Igor Paixao.
The Black Cats are pushing for a club-record signing, with Marseille’s sporting director confirming talks are ongoing.
Sunderland are also pursuing Geny Catamo (£51m release clause), Jack Grealish (loan), and Marc Casadó (£25m).
It would be the biggest transfer in Sunderland’s history. And it would send a message to the Premier League: the Black Cats mean business.
What do you think? Should Sunderland splash £30m on Igor Paixao? Drop your thoughts in the comments below. 👇