Sunderland eye fresh €30m Igor Paixão transfer as Marseille face financial pressure

Sunderland could renew their interest in Marseille winger Igor Paixão during the January transfer window after failing to sign the Brazilian in the summer.

The Black Cats made several attempts to secure the 26-year-old, but Marseille decided to retain him despite their financial difficulties.

According to French outlet Foot Marseillais, Sunderland could return for Paixão in January, with Marseille facing pressure to raise funds before the end of the financial year.

Sunderland pushed to sign Paixão towards the end of August, with reports suggesting they offered around €30million for the winger.

Marseille owner Frank McCourt reportedly considered accepting the proposal, but the club's sporting management opposed the sale.

Marseille president Stéphane Richard subsequently confirmed that he had strongly advocated keeping Paixão, believing his departure would weaken the squad.

Richard explained that he had worked to convince McCourt to retain the Brazilian, with the final decision resting with the club's owner.

The decision kept Paixão in France, although Sunderland could revisit the situation when the transfer window reopens.

Marseille reportedly need to complete further player sales before 30 June 2027 to address their financial position.

That requirement could create another opportunity for Sunderland, although there is no confirmation that the French club are now willing to sell Paixão.

The winger has contributed two goals and one assist in seven Ligue 1 appearances this season, scoring in each of his last two matches.

He previously impressed during his debut campaign in France, recording 12 goals and seven assists after joining from Feyenoord for approximately €35million.

Foot Marseillais also reports that Paixão is open to leaving Marseille, either in January or next summer, with a move to Sunderland among the possibilities.

Sunderland's difficult start to the Premier League season could increase the importance of their January recruitment plans.

Régis Le Bris' side sit bottom of the table with five points from eight matches, having recorded just one victory.

The Black Cats finished seventh last season but have struggled to reproduce that form in the opening months of the new campaign.

Paixão's attacking record could make him an option as Sunderland look to improve their results, although there is no confirmation that the club have submitted a fresh offer.

Sunderland could revisit Paixão's situation when the January transfer window opens.

Marseille's financial position may influence their willingness to negotiate, but no new agreement or formal offer has been confirmed.