Marseille Seal Record €35m Deal for Feyenoord Star Igor Paixão

Olympique Marseille have finalized a club-record €35 million (£30.3m) deal to sign Feyenoord winger Igor Paixão, surpassing their previous highest fee paid for Dimitri Payet in 2017, The 25-year-old Brazilian, who contributed 18 goals and 19 assists last season, chose Marseille over Leeds United despite the Premier League side’s improved €32m bid and the allure of following compatriot Raphinha’s path to England,Paixão has already agreed to a five-year contract and will undergo a medical in France imminently, with Marseille’s Champions League football and Roberto De Zerbi’s project swaying his decision.

Leeds, fresh off promotion, had hoped to hijack the deal after matching Feyenoord’s asking price, but Marseille’s third improved offer—including add-ons—proved decisive, The transfer marks a 300% profit for Feyenoord, who signed Paixão for just €4.5m in 2022, Meanwhile, Marseille continue their aggressive window, having already secured Angel Gomes and Facundo Medina, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also set to return. Paixão could debut in Marseille’s pre-season friendly vs. Monaco next week, pending medical clearance.

Sources: Fabrizio Romano, L’Équipe, OneFootball.