Sunderland have made a strong push to sign Marseille’s Igor Paixão and have to make further advances to get the deal over the line.
Two days ago, Sport Witness covered a report from France that he has an agreement in place with Sunderland.
On Thursday, we relayed news that his move to the Stadium of Light was imminent. This has not at all pleased Marseille manager Bruno Génésio, also because of the club’s lack of signings.
The Premier League side haven’t completed his signing yet as there’s no deal in place with Marseille.
Fresh updates on Sunderland’s pursuit
RMC Sport cover Sunderland’s interest in a report focusing on possible developments at Marseille in the last week of the window.
Marseille are going through a delicate financial situation and have sold Mason Greenwood, Facundo Medina and Gerónimo Rulli so far. They have to sell more players to raise funds and lower their wage bill before carrying out new signings.
Igor Paixão can leave and his case is ‘sensitive’ because multiple people in the club are against his sale.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have made an offer that’s not close to Marseille’s €40m demand. Therefore, the latter have rejected it.
The 26-year-old isn’t opposing an opportunity to play in the Premier League. RMC Sport states: ‘It’s a challenge that would inevitably weigh on his decision if a sufficiently substantial offer were to come along.’
Sunderland face obstacles
L’Equipe state the Brazilian is in the ‘waiting room’ as the Ligue 1 side are looking for a suitable solution.
The forward has been struggling with muscle pain since last week and felt something during yesterday’s session. Marseille will assess him on Saturday to find out whether he will be in contention for Sunday’s clash against AS Monaco.
He’s ‘training on a modified schedule this week and treating persistent muscle pain’. This could also be related to his impending sale as he’s on his way out of the French club.
Bruno Génésio wants to retain him while Marseille owner Frank McCourt and his agent want to transfer him. That’s because he’s the player with the highest value in the squad.
Igor Paixão is also open to a new challenge away from France, and Régis Le Bris’ side are keen to offer him that opportunity.
Sunderland have made an offer this week, and that’s close to the price ‘McCourt would find acceptable’. This contradicts RMC Sport’s claim.
