Sunderland submit official bid for Igor Paixão as Leeds remain interested

Sunderland have submitted an official offer for Olympique Marseille winger Igor Paixão as they step up their search for another attacking reinforcement before the transfer deadline.

According to Sky Sports, the Black Cats made their approach earlier this week and have a strong interest in the former Feyenoord star.

There is currently no agreement between Sunderland and Marseille, but negotiations are expected to continue.

Signing a winger has become one of Sunderland’s priorities during the closing stages of the window.

The Premier League side have been working on a move for Sporting CP winger Geny Catamo but have so far been unable to complete that deal.

That has brought Paixão firmly into consideration, and Sunderland have now gone a step further by submitting an offer.

The value of their proposal has not been disclosed.

Marseille are reportedly open to selling the Brazilian, with the Ligue 1 club looking to generate funds through player sales.

Sunderland may not have a clear run at the winger.

Leeds United remain admirers of Paixão and have been linked with him again during the current transfer window.

Their interest goes back further. Leeds were working on potentially signing the Brazilian last summer, but Paixão ultimately chose Marseille after leaving Feyenoord.

The 26-year-old spent three seasons in Rotterdam between 2022 and 2025 before making the switch to France.

Leeds are still described as very keen on the winger, although it remains unclear whether they have submitted a fresh offer this summer or intend to do so before the deadline.

That uncertainty could give Sunderland an important advantage, given they have already put a concrete proposal on Marseille’s table.

The key development for Sunderland is Marseille’s willingness to consider a transfer.

There is no suggestion yet that Sunderland’s opening offer is close to being accepted, but talks between the clubs are expected to continue.

With Sunderland actively searching for a winger and their pursuit of Catamo yet to produce an agreement, Paixão has emerged as a serious late-window option.

Leeds’ continued admiration adds another element to the situation, particularly given their previous attempt to sign him.

Sunderland are expected to continue negotiations with Marseille as they attempt to reach an agreement for Paixão.

The major question is whether Leeds United turn their long-standing interest into a concrete move. Sunderland have made the first confirmed bid, putting them in a stronger position for now as the deadline approaches.