Ligue 1 Transfer News: Marseille draws Brazilian winger Paixao to stimulate the attack

Ligue 1 Club Marseille has strengthened its attack by signing the Brazilian winger Igor Paixao from Feyenoord in a deal that could rise to € 35 million ($ 40.6 million).

The 25-year-old Paixao scored 18 goals in 47 games last season and was named the Dutch player of the season. Marseille defeated the competition of the newly promoted Premier League team Leeds United to sign him.

Marseille announced the deal at the end of Friday without giving further details, but French media reports appreciated the deal at € 30 million with another five million in performance-related bonuses.

Marseille paid a club record € 32 million to the Portuguese club Braga to sign Vitinha in early 2023. Vitinha failed to settle and scored only six goals in 43 games before he was sold to Genoa.

Paixao showed his full repertoire of skills during a Champions League match against AC Milan in February, scored in a 1-0 win and gave the Milan defense a scorching time with his speed.

Marseille finished second in Ligue 1 last season behind Paris Saint-Germain and qualified directly for the Champions League.

Marseille coach Roberto de Zerbi made various movements on the transfer market this summer, including the return of veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League.

The 36-year-old Aubameyang scored 21 goals for Al-Qadsiah last season, after having spent the 2023-24 campaign in Marseille-where he generally delivered 30 goals and became a favorite of fans in the southern port city.

Offensive midfielder Angel Gomes was accompanied by Lille and Gruizige Central Defender Facundo Medina arrived from Lens.

The arrivals from Aubameyang and Paixão bring extra firepower to an attack with Mason Greenwood – who scored 21 league goals last season and Amine Gouiri.

Marseille opens the new Ligue 1 season when it all travels to the country to be confronted in Brittany-based Rennes on 15 August.