The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 18th July) Paixao could end up costing Leeds €45m
Good Morning. It's Friday 21st July, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Paixao could end up costing Leeds €45m
Leeds are intensifying their efforts to sign versatile Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao, aiming to bolster their attacking options. The 25-year-old Brazilian has emerged as a prime target for the Whites, with sources indicating that the 49ers have given their full approval, believing he possesses the qualities to make an immediate and significant impact at Elland Road. His blend of pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability is seen as a crucial asset for a team looking to establish themselves in the top flight.
However, the pursuit is far from straightforward. Leeds are hesitant to meet Feyenoord's substantial asking price. The Dutch club have initially valued Paixao at €30 million (approximately £26 million) plus massive bonuses, a figure that Leeds finds challenging given their overall transfer budget and strategic spending plans.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently highlighted the complexities surrounding any potential deal. He noted that Feyenoord has already demonstrated their firm valuation of the player by rejecting a prior bid from French giants Olympique Marseille. This strong stance from the Eredivisie champions underscores their unwillingness to compromise on their asking price, presenting a significant hurdle for Leeds United to overcome.
The Breakfast Debate caught up with respected transfer guru Ekrem Konur for his thoughts on the matter.
Whilst the Whites have seemingly muscled their way to the front of the queue for Paixao's signature, they face ferocious competition from other interested clubs for the 25-year-old.
Crucially, Konur revealed that Feyenoord's ultimate valuation, when all said and done and including various add-ons, could reach as high as €45 million (almost £39 million). This revised and considerably higher asking price could prove to be the ultimate stumbling block, potentially pricing Leeds United out of the race for his signature altogether.
The significant disparity between Leeds's willingness to spend and Feyenoord's valuation of Paixao puts the Premier League newcomers in a tricky position. While securing a player of Paixao's calibre would undoubtedly be a major coup, the financial outlay required might force Leeds to reassess their options elsewhere.
Hoffenheim line up Stach replacement
Leeds United's quest to sign German International midfielder Anton Stach has been handed a significant boost. Reports indicate that Hoffenheim, Stach's current club, are actively preparing for his departure by lining up a replacement.
It appears the Bundesliga side has accepted the likelihood of losing their star player, with news circulating that they have set their sights on Leicester City's experienced midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi. This proactive move by Hoffenheim suggests they are resigned to Stach moving on, clearing a significant hurdle for Leeds in their pursuit.
Crucially, personal terms between Leeds United and Anton Stach are already understood to be agreed, paving the way for a deal that could now be imminent. Securing the signature of the talented German International would undoubtedly be a major coup for Leeds, especially considering the extensive list of clubs vying for his services.
Stach has attracted interest from around Europe, including Burnley and Brentford, Bundesliga side Stuttgart, and more recently, Turkish giants Besiktas. Leeds fending off such competition would underscore their growing appeal and ambition.