The 49ers and Leeds United could have been handed a transfer boost regarding one of their summer targets already.
Leeds United have already begun the process of trying to bolster their forward line, with Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao linked with a £34 million switch to Leeds.
There is already talk of rivals bidding for the latest Leeds target Paixao, with the Whites just one of the numerous clubs involved alongside Marseille, Napoli, and Brighton and Hove Albion.
The 24-year-old just enjoyed the best season of his career so far. In all competitions, he picked up 18 goals and 19 assists in 47 appearances for the Dutch giants.
Photo by Marcel van Dorst / EYE4images/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesIgor Paixao is open to Leeds United transfer switch
The exciting winger has plenty of flair and clearly possesses the output to match, which is why the comparisons between Paixao and Brazilian compatriot Raphinha are obvious.
Leeds signed Raphinha from a Champions League club in the summer of 2020 after gaining promotion. Paixao could mirror that very similarly if he makes the move from Feyenoord.
Isaac Johnson of Leeds Live is now reporting that Paixao is open to the move to Elland Road, although no contact has yet been made by Leeds and that would have to change soon.
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Under the right personal terms, he would consider a move to West Yorkshire. The problem is that the Brazilian would dent a huge hole in Leeds’ budget straight away.
Paixao signed a contract renewal with Feyenoord in November. It extended his contract in Rotterdam until 2029, but the winger has at least left the door open for a summer move, be that to Leeds or elsewhere in Europe.
Paixao could impact Willy Gnonto’s future at Leeds if he is signed, as well as any potential move for Manor Solomon. Leeds have many plates to spin and Paixao is the latest to join in.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesLeeds need a new statement signing like Raphinha and Paixao could be it
It’s lazy to look solely at Paixao’s nationality and compare him to Raphinha, but he could represent a similar move from a Leeds point of view.
Coming from an undervalued league outside of the elite three or four in Europe, fans didn’t know what to expect regarding Raphinha, but he tore it up at Elland Road.
Both players are pre-peak in age terms, with their best years ahead of them, and have deadly weapons in their skill-set to do serious damage against Premier League teams.
SeasonAppearancesGoalsAssists2022/2337962023/24451242024/25471819Paixao’s Feyenoord career (all comps – Transfermarkt)
Paixao would be a statement signing for Leeds and the 49ers, as he would instantly come in as one of Leeds’ best players.
His goal return would likely translate well enough to the Premier League given his explosive nature and the spaces on the pitch which he operates in.