Report – 49ers given the green light to make statement £34m Leeds United signing
Leeds United, now under the growing influence of 49ers Enterprises, may have received an early boost in their efforts to sign one of their key summer transfer targets. Reports suggest that Brazilian winger Igor Paixao, currently plying his trade at Dutch champions Feyenoord, is open to the idea of a move to Elland Road—a development that could significantly shape the club’s recruitment strategy in the coming weeks.
As the summer transfer window heats up, Leeds have already taken proactive steps to reinforce their attacking options. Paixao has emerged as a standout candidate to bolster the club’s forward line, with reports indicating a potential £34 million move being considered. While Leeds face stiff competition for the 24-year-old’s signature—clubs such as Marseille, Napoli, and Brighton & Hove Albion have also shown interest—the Yorkshire side are hopeful they can convince the dynamic winger to join their Championship promotion push or even plan for Premier League football in the near future.
Paixao is coming off the most prolific season of his career to date. Featuring in 47 matches across all competitions for Feyenoord, he registered an impressive 18 goals and 19 assists. His consistency and eye for goal have placed him firmly on the radar of several top clubs across Europe, and it’s easy to see why.
Crucially for Leeds, sources such as Isaac Johnson of Leeds Live report that Paixao is open to a move to West Yorkshire—an encouraging sign for the club’s hierarchy. Although no formal contact has yet been made between Leeds and Feyenoord, this willingness from the player’s side could pave the way for negotiations in the coming weeks. Of course, any deal would need to be under the right financial and personal terms for all parties involved.
One potential stumbling block, however, lies in the financial outlay. Paixao recently committed to a long-term contract with Feyenoord in November, extending his stay in Rotterdam until 2029. As a result, his price tag won’t come cheap, and any bid would require a significant financial commitment that could consume a large chunk of Leeds’ summer transfer budget.
Nevertheless, Paixao’s openness to a move keeps the door ajar for Leeds to make a serious play for his services. If they were to get a deal over the line, the Brazilian would likely become one of the club’s most exciting and high-profile signings in recent memory.
Naturally, comparisons have been drawn between Paixao and Raphinha—another Brazilian winger who lit up Elland Road after joining from Rennes in 2020. While it may be tempting to make such comparisons based on nationality alone, there are some striking similarities in their playing styles. Both players are skillful, agile, and explosive in one-on-one situations, and each has a flair for producing in the final third.
When Raphinha arrived from Ligue 1, many Leeds fans were unsure what to expect from a relatively unknown player. However, he quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his creativity and direct style. Paixao, arriving from the Eredivisie—a league often undervalued compared to Europe’s top tiers—could replicate that same impact if given the opportunity.
With both players still in the early stages of their careers, there’s a shared sense of untapped potential. Paixao, like Raphinha before him, has the tools to flourish in English football, particularly in the fast-paced, high-intensity environment of the Premier League. His versatility, goal-scoring instincts, and ability to exploit spaces would make him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
Should Leeds move forward with their pursuit of Paixao, it could have implications for other attacking players at the club. A deal might impact the future of Italy international Willy Gnonto, who continues to be linked with a move away, or affect Leeds’ interest in players like Manor Solomon. The club is juggling multiple transfer priorities, but Paixao’s name is now firmly in the mix.
Ultimately, signing Paixao would be a statement of ambition—not only from Leeds United but also from the 49ers’ leadership, who are looking to reshape the club’s identity and future trajectory. If they can pull it off, Paixao wouldn’t just be another addition—he’d be one of the most important pieces in their push for promotion and long-term success.