Igor Paixao explains failed £35m Sunderland transfer as Premier League ‘dream’ remains

Igor Paixao has opened up on his failed summer transfer to Sunderland, revealing why he remained at Marseille despite strong interest from the Premier League club.

Sunderland pushed to sign the Brazilian winger during the closing stages of the transfer window, with talks advancing over a potential £35million move.

However, Marseille ultimately kept the 26-year-old, and Paixao has now made clear that staying in France was also his preferred outcome at the time.

Marseille’s financial situation had led to several players being made available during the summer, creating an opportunity for Sunderland to pursue Paixao.

Speaking to Brazilian outlet Band, the winger confirmed it was a turbulent period but insisted he never pushed to leave.

“I didn’t want to leave. I still don’t want to leave,” Paixao said.

“It was a bit intense, with the club putting all of the players on the transfer list. I chose to stay to help my team.”

One major factor was Marseille’s inability to adequately replace departing players.

“We can’t recruit new players; there wouldn’t have been replacements,” he explained.

That situation ultimately helped close the door on Sunderland despite the Black Cats making a serious attempt to bring him to the Stadium of Light.

After failing to secure Paixao, Sunderland moved quickly to strengthen elsewhere.

They completed a dramatic deadline-day deal for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, paying around £31m and beating Crystal Palace to the Belgian’s signature.

That effectively ended Sunderland’s immediate pursuit of Paixao, who remained an important part of Marseille’s plans.

However, his latest comments suggest England could still feature in his future.

Although Paixao wanted to stay at Marseille this summer, he admitted playing in the Premier League remains a “dream”.

A strong campaign in France could therefore reopen the possibility of a move to England next summer.

There is currently no indication that Sunderland plan to return for the Brazilian, particularly after their significant investment in Fofana.

But Paixao’s position is clear: Sunderland may not have been the right move this summer, but the Premier League remains firmly on his career radar.

Paixao will focus on producing a strong season for Marseille after choosing to remain in France.

His admission that Premier League football remains a dream could attract fresh English interest if he continues to perform, although there is currently nothing to suggest Sunderland will make another move.

For the Black Cats, Fofana is now the player they have invested heavily in, meaning any renewed pursuit of Paixao would likely depend on how their squad and transfer priorities develop before next summer.