Sunderland handed potential Igor Paixão boost as Marseille winger rules out Brazil return

Sunderland could receive encouragement in any renewed pursuit of Marseille winger Igor Paixão after the Brazilian's representatives dismissed suggestions that he could return to his homeland.

The Black Cats made a serious attempt to sign the 26-year-old during the summer transfer window, reportedly submitting an offer worth up to €40million before the move failed to materialise.

With Paixão now linked with Vasco da Gama, his representatives have indicated that a return to Brazilian football is not under consideration.

However, there is no confirmation that Sunderland are preparing another approach ahead of January.

Paixão has recently been linked with Vasco da Gama, with Brazilian reports suggesting the club had been monitoring his situation at Marseille.

However, VDG-Cast contacted the winger's representatives to establish whether a return to Brazil was a realistic possibility.

"Nothing has come through, and the player has no interest in returning to Brazil," his entourage stated.

The comments, translated from Portuguese and subsequently reported by NETVASCO, indicate that Vasco have not made an official approach and that Paixão is not seeking a move back to his homeland.

That position could be relevant to European clubs monitoring the winger, including Sunderland, who attempted to sign him during the summer.

However, his representatives did not suggest that Paixão wants to leave Marseille or identify a preferred destination.

Sunderland pursued Paixão during the closing stages of the summer transfer window as Régis Le Bris sought additional attacking options.

The Sunderland Echo reported on 26 August that the Black Cats had submitted an offer for the former Feyenoord winger.

Further reporting from Brazilian outlet ge.globo suggested Sunderland subsequently offered a package worth up to €40million.

That proposal reportedly comprised €31million in guaranteed payments and another €9million in potential bonuses.

Marseille ultimately retained Paixão, who had joined the French club from Feyenoord in August 2025 for a reported fee of approximately €35million, including bonuses.

The Brazilian has since continued his second season in Ligue 1, recording two goals in seven league appearances.

He scored against Angers and Le Havre in successive October fixtures, demonstrating that he remains capable of making an attacking contribution for Marseille.

Although the winger's future has attracted speculation, there is no confirmed indication that Marseille have decided to make him available in January.

Sunderland's attacking options have changed since their unsuccessful summer pursuit.

The Black Cats completed the signing of Malick Fofana from Lyon on deadline day, strengthening their options on the left flank.

The Belgian winger scored his first Sunderland goal during Wednesday's 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over Brentford.

Chemsdine Talbi is another option available to Le Bris, meaning Sunderland have greater competition in wide positions than when they initially targeted Paixão.

That could influence whether the club considers another substantial investment in a winger during the January transfer window.

Paixão's reported preference to remain outside Brazil would remove one possible source of competition if Sunderland revived their interest.

However, his position does not establish that he is interested in joining the Black Cats, and Marseille would still need to agree to any transfer.

For now, the player's representatives have only ruled out a return to Brazil, leaving his future in European football open to speculation.

Paixão will continue his season at Marseille, who face Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday, 1 November.

Sunderland will meanwhile assess their attacking options before the January transfer window, with Fofana and Talbi competing for opportunities.

Any renewed interest in Paixão would need to develop into fresh discussions with Marseille, and there is currently no confirmed January bid.

The next significant development will be whether Sunderland revisit their summer target or prioritise other positions when the transfer window opens.