Sunderland have made their move for Marseille’s Igor Paixão after Leeds United decided to walk away from a potential deal.
Wednesday’s print edition of La Provence reports that the Black Cats have made their move for the Brazilian winger. Reports continue to push a move away from Marseille before the end of the window.
The newspaper explains that while Paixao has privately insisted he has no desire to leave the French club, he may have little say on his future.
Marseille under pressure
Marseille are still under pressure – from UEFA and the DNCG, as well as owner Frank McCourt – to cut the wage bill and bring in money.
McCourt has even sent two of his ‘trusted associates’ to Provence to ensure that the transfer window proceeds according to his wishes.
The plan is to move on several high earners, and Igor Paixão is among that group. They need to leave before the French side can register new signings, the owner can breathe easier and the threat of sanctions is lifted.
The Brazilian had been courted by Leeds United, who also wanted him last summer, but Daniel Farke’s side have now dropped their interest.
Sunderland interest
Now the interest is coming from Saudi Arabia and other Premier League sides. Aston Villa and Sunderland, more recently, fall into the latter category.
In fact, Sunderland have been persistently making offers, but they have been below Marseille’s valuation. The latest bid was €30m.
While that’s not enough, the door to a departure, which Paixão has kept firmly shut all summer, has opened slightly in recent days. A move to the Premier League would hold ‘greater sporting appeal’ than Saudi Arabia at this point.
That could potentially hand Sunderland an advantage if they continue to bid for the 26-year-old’s signature. They’ve now stepped ahead of Leeds United, who appear to have abandoned their interest in the Brazilian forward.
