After securing two wins from the first two games of the 2026/27 campaign, it may be a surprise to see Leeds United on the hunt to land added reinforcements before the end of the window.
Daniel Farke has already been backed with over £85m worth of additions this summer, with multiple of his new additions already making an immediate impact in his senior ranks.
James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic have both started the two games against Nottingham Forest, subsequently keeping a clean sheet in both of the encounters at the City Ground.
However, the 49ers are now on the hunt for further reinforcements at the other end of the pitch, which could see a move materialise for a long-standing transfer target.
Why Leeds could miss out on a deal for Igor Paixao
Every transfer window, it feels as though Leeds are linked with a move for talented Brazilian attacker Igor Paixao – with this summer following the recent pattern.
It’s been heavily reported that the Whites have been closely monitoring the Marseille star, but despite their strong interest, no deal has been agreed for his signature.
However, Farke’s men are now in danger of missing out on the forward’s services, as fellow Premier League side Sunderland have stormed into the race over recent days.
The Black Cats are said to have agreed personal terms with Paixao, with just the minor details left to be able to get a deal over the line before the deadline.
|
Paixao vs Leeds Forwards – 25/26 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Paixao |
6 |
5 |
|
Wilson |
10 |
7 |
|
Calvert-Lewin |
14 |
1 |
|
Okafor |
8 |
1 |
|
Nmecha |
6 |
1 |
|
James |
0 |
0 |
|
Aaronson |
4 |
5 |
|
Gnonto |
0 |
1 |
|
Piroe |
0 |
0 |
His tally of six goals and five assists within just 22 Ligue 1 starts last season showcases his quality within attacking areas – something which the Whites are still hunting for.
He’s even managed to provide the goods on the European stage as of late, subsequently netting four goals in his eight Champions League appearances last campaign.
Leeds have certainly had an excellent window, but a deal for Paixao would no doubt have put the cherry on the cake, with the attacker having all the quality needed to succeed at Elland Road.
How Leeds can land the perfect Paixao alternative
Despite potentially missing out on a deal for Paixao, Leeds must get back to the drawing board to try and land other targets before the summer window slams shut.
RB Leipzig striker Conrad Harder is just one attacking option under consideration, but the Whites face keen interest from Lazio to secure the Dutchman’s signature.
However, Farke’s men could well make a final push to land Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk on loan for the rest of the season, after previously making efforts to land the Ukrainian.
It was reported earlier in the week that talks had been held between the two clubs over the possibility of a loan deal for the 25-year-old – who hadn’t featured in a competitive game since December 2024.
Xabi Alonso’s men are unwilling to sanction a permanent move at present, but want reassurances over the game time the forward would receive in Yorkshire. Mudryk, however, is open to the possibility of heading to Elland Road.
Any move would see him push the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor for a starting role in the left-hand number ten position in behind striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Whilst Paixao may have been the club’s top target for that position, a deal for Mudryk could actually see the club land a bigger talent – and one with a huge point to prove after his suspension.
When comparing the Ukrainian’s stats from his final full season in the Premier League to those of the Brazilian from last season – the Chelsea comes out on top in countless key areas.
He may have only featured 18 times back in the 2023/24 campaign, but Mudryk registered seven combined goals and assists – an average of one contribution every 225 minutes.
The reported £97k-per-week earner also managed to create an impressive tally of 1.8 chances per 90, with such a tally ranking him within the top 20% of all players in the Premier League that year.
The Marseille star was unable to get near such a figure last campaign, which could arguably see Farke’s men land a more creative outlet with a move for the Chelsea outcast.
The Ukrainian’s most noticeable asset is undoubtedly his pace and dribbling ability, which saw him register 2.2 successful take-ons per 90 at a success rate of 56%.
Both of the aforementioned figures were nearly two times higher than those produced by the Brazilian in 2025/26 – further showcasing what Mudryk can produce with a consistent run of fixtures.
A loan move for the Chelsea star could be an excellent deal for all parties, as it provides the player a chance to get his career back on track, whilst handing Leeds a top-level attacking star.
Missing out on Paixao may be disappointing for many supporters, but it could present a fresh opportunity to move for Mudryk – who could turn out to be a better addition.
Given his layoff, he will undoubtedly need time to hit the heights he previously reached, but there’s no reason why he can’t establish such form upon any move to Yorkshire.
