Sunderland target Igor Paixão has had a difficult start to the season, after Marseille didn’t let him seal a move to the Premier League side in the summer window.
Towards the end of August, Sunderland made concrete attempts to secure the winger’s services.
He arrived at the Ligue 1 side from Feyenoord for a club-record fee of €35m in August 2025. The Brazilian enjoyed an impressive run in his debut season, managing 12 goals and seven assists from 42 matches.
Last season, the French club had three managers and appointed Bruno Génésio as their new boss in July.
He secured a 4-0 win over RC Strasbourg on his debut in August. Marseille then lost five matches in a row before clinching a 2-0 win over Troyes at the weekend.
Sunderland target struggling
Régis Le Bris’ side had come close to completing the Brazilian’s signing before Marseille blocked the sale.
Prior to the Troyes clash, Igor Paixão told Canal+ that he thought it was best for him to stay amid Sunderland’s interest. He also expressed his wish to change clubs next year.
He said: “Winter transfer window? I don’t know, it’s difficult because in January the teams are already formed. There’s a better chance I will leave next summer.”
His decision to stay hasn’t worked out as he’s failed to score and has one assist [against RC Strasbourg] from six matches. The attacker has struggled and only completed the full 90 minutes once this season.
Struggling since Sunderland missed out
The French media have covered the 26-year-old’s latest comments, along with the drama he has caused.
At the weekend, Igor Paixão was replaced by Faris Moumbagna in the 87th minute after another poor performance.
After coming off the pitch, the Sunderland target refused to shake hands with Bruno Génésio. That has obviously generated some drama, especially online.
Monday’s print edition of La Provence, who rated him 2/10, talks up his failed move to Sunderland when discussing the club’s situation.
While savouring the Ligue 1 side’s second win of the season, the newspaper discusses poor form among Marseille’s attackers. The main focus is on the South American.
They state: ‘In the first five minutes of the second half, OM showed more than they did in the previous 45 minutes and the 40 that followed, though this cannot mask the apathy of the four attacking players, particularly that of Igor Paixão, who has been very disappointing since his failed move to Sunderland.’
After the match, Genesio also said it wasn’t easy for his attackers. These are indications the player has his head on Sunderland, and his latest comments indicate he won’t rule out a move in January.
Paixao pas très content de sortir à la 87e, ne veut pas taper dans la main de Genesio #estacOM https://t.co/QyytJcvFme
— JS Grond-Tran (@JS_Grond) October 11, 2026
