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Leeds United are back in the picture to sign Igor Paixão, a year after Marseille beat them for his signature. Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from France that Leeds United and Aston Villa have made contact for the forward. On Monday, we relayed news the Whites are pursuing him while Marseille manager Bruno Génésio wants to keep the player. He said: “I want to keep all the good players; no coach wants to lose his best players. Besides, I’m not aware of everything in this transfer window; there are criteria that don’t concern me.” Leeds United in mix Santi Aouna reports Daniel Farke’s side ‘appreciate’ the Brazilian’s profile. The Elland Road club, who already made an approach, would find it difficult to sign him for several reasons. Aouna explains it in a report for Foot Mercato when covering Leeds United’s interest in Igor Paixão. 🚨🔵⚪️🇧🇷 #OM | 🔐Igor Paixão se sent très bien à l’OM et entretient une excellente relation avec Bruno Genesio. ❗️ Son entourage est clair : il ne partira pas pour partir et souhaite un vrai projet en cas de départ. 💰Leeds apprécie son profil, mais Frank McCourt veut 50M€… pic.twitter.com/QUrPLO9TIz — Santi Aouna (@Santi_J_FM) August 11, 2026 Leeds United have other plans Last season, the South American managed 12 goals and seven assists from 42 matches. This didn’t go unnoticed, as a few clubs have looked at him for this summer. There were AS Roma links, but nothing came out of it. The attacker isn’t immediately planning on returning to Brazil. Therefore, he didn’t entertain Palmeiras’ approach. Leeds United have shown interest and included him in their shortlist. However, he would be the third choice for Daniel Farke, and this doesn’t attract the Marseille star. Igor Paixão mainly operates on the left wing. Noah Okafor and Largie Ramazani are the two left wingers currently at Leeds United, with the latter having no future at Elland Road. Besides Farke’s decision, the Ligue 1 side’s €50m price won’t make it easy for any club to sign him. Paixão is happy at Marseille, where Bruno Génésio highly appreciates him. He will have an important role next season and is likely to stay. Foot Mercato states: ‘Paixão’s camp doesn’t intend to leave just for the sake of leaving. If there isn’t a real project in place, the 26-year-old will remain at Marseille.’ Key transfer points - Elland Road club recently made contact - Whites appreciate Brazilian, but he won’t be first choice - Marseille’s €50m price is unlikely to please Leeds United - Génésio happy with Paixão, who is likely to stay