£42m Leeds United deal can't happen after last-minute transfer collapse
· Matty Hewitt · 2026-08-13T11:07:20+00:00 · nguồn gốc
£42m Leeds United deal can't happen after last-minute transfer collapse and UEFA ban threat
Leeds United have made an impressive start to the summer transfer window
Leeds United may have signed just three new players in the summer transfer window, but the quality of those new additions sets them apart from their Premier League rivals. Signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer could end up being one of the signings of the summer, if he can recreate that brilliant form he showcased with Fulham last season.
James Trafford has the potential to be England's number one in the years to come and is one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League. His arrival can help take the Whites up another level and add in the bright displays shown by Tarik Muharemović in pre-season, there's a lot to be excited about.
Leeds certainly look - on paper - as if they've got good value for their money in the market thus far. Of course, Daniel Farke will want to add further quality to his squad this summer and kick on towards the top half.
Igor Paixao is one of the names being linked with a move to Elland Road, as he was prior to joining Ligue 1 side Marseille last summer.
The Brazilian forward impressed in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord, before joining the French side in a deal worth a reported £30m last summer.
Paixao reportedly turned down Leeds in favour of moving to Marseille, but that 'snub' hasn't deterred the Whites. LeedsLive understands the club are monitoring his situation again this summer, though the Ligue 1 side have set a reported £42m asking price for the forward according to reports in France - which seems a tad inflated and quite simply cannot be agreed to.
Sure, the price of players in the modern market is through the roof, but this isn't your regular transfer pursuit. Marseille have been warned by UEFA that they need to address their finances and comply with regulations in the 2026/27 season.
The French club were fined £8.5m by UEFA for failing to meet UEFA targets and have been warned they could be banned from competing in UEFA competitions if they qualify in the next three years.
Marseille have already cashed in on Mason Greenwood, selling the forward to Fenerbahce, and midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg has been linked with a move to Newcastle United, which would further boost their financial situation.
However, the Dane's move to St. James' Park broke down at the last minute, and the French club will likely still need to cash in on players to comply with UEFA regulations.
That could well play into Leeds' hands regarding a move for Paixao - and they must be ruthless and get the best deal they can. Of course, Marseille need to balance the books, but the Whites could and should be able to negotiate a cheaper fee for the forward if they decide to pursue a deal. Don't pay £42m when you hold all the cards.
A deal closer to the £30m mark would be great business - if they can agree terms. They've already shown how shrewd they can be in the transfer market and negotiating a cheaper transfer fee for the Brazilian - who has a knack for finding the back of the net - would be another great bit of business.
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