Leeds United’s summer recruitment has been praised following a solid start to the season, with the club’s signings proving to be effective on the pitch. Despite facing some challenges in securing their top targets, Leeds have made smart decisions in the transfer market, especially considering some players who snubbed them are now struggling at their new clubs.
One such example is Igor Paixao, who was a prime target for Leeds United in the summer transfer window. The club actively pursued the Brazilian winger and had a deal in place with Feyenoord for a transfer worth £30m. However, Paixao opted to join Marseille instead, despite Leeds’ efforts to convince him to move to Elland Road.
Since joining Marseille, Paixao has not had the same impact he did at Feyenoord, struggling to adapt to the tactical set-up under manager Roberto De Zerbi. Former Marseille player Bruno Cheyrou has expressed concerns about Paixao’s confidence and decision-making on the pitch, highlighting the winger’s struggles on the right side of the attack.
Cheyrou believes that Paixao would be better suited to playing on the left, where his shooting abilities could benefit Marseille against defensive opponents. Despite his potential, Paixao has faced challenges in adjusting to Marseille’s style of play and finding his form after recovering from injury.
Leeds’ decision to pursue other options and avoid a potentially problematic transfer with Paixao has proven to be wise. The club’s successful summer signings have seamlessly integrated into the squad and contributed positively on the field, highlighting the importance of careful player recruitment and strategic planning.
Overall, Leeds United’s smart approach to the transfer market has paid off, and they have been able to sidestep potential obstacles by making informed decisions in building their squad for the season.
