Sunderland AFC have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Olympique de Marseille winger Igor Paixão. The club is now in talks to agree a transfer fee with the French side, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who reported the news via Get French Football News this week.
The 26-year-old Brazilian is seen as a key target as Sunderland look to strengthen their attack. The Black Cats sit 13th in the Premier League after one game, having lost their opener and scoring just once. Their next match is a home fixture against Fulham on 30 August, a game that could see them climb the standings.
What is the status of the transfer deal?
Sunderland have secured a verbal agreement with the player Igor Paixão himself. However, they have not yet reached a deal with his current club, Olympique de Marseille. The French club rejected an initial bid from Sunderland, but negotiations are ongoing to finalise the transfer in the final days of the window.
Paixão is one of the most marketable players in the Marseille squad. The Ligue 1 side are under pressure to reduce their wage bill to meet UEFA and FIFA financial regulations. This situation makes a sale likely, and Sunderland are pushing to complete the move.
Who is Sunderland target Igor Paixão?
Igor Paixão is a 26-year-old Brazilian winger born in Macapá. He joined Olympique de Marseille from Dutch side Feyenoord last summer for a fee of €30 million. In his debut season in France, he made 30 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring six goals and providing six assists.
Across all competitions, the attacker featured 42 times, netting 12 goals and adding seven assists. His versatility and direct style are attributes that could bolster a Sunderland attack currently led by N. Angulo, who has one goal this season. You can view the full attacking options on the club's squad page.
How would Paixão fit into the current squad?
The potential arrival of a proven wide forward would provide a significant boost. Sunderland's early-season form shows room for improvement, with one goal scored and two conceded from their single league outing. They are three points behind early leaders Brighton.
Adding a player of Paixão's calibre, with experience in top European leagues, would increase competition for places in the forward line. It would also offer a different creative outlet as the team prepares for a busy period of fixtures. His goal contribution record from wide areas is a clear asset the coaching staff are seeking.
What happens next for Sunderland?
The immediate focus is on concluding negotiations with Marseille. Securing the player's agreement is a major step, but the clubs must now find a financial compromise. Sunderland will hope to wrap up the deal swiftly to allow Paixão to integrate with the squad.
Off the pitch, the club's recruitment team is working to address the gap in quality highlighted by the opening day result. On it, the players must prepare for the Fulham match. A positive result could build momentum ahead of any new signings being officially unveiled. The coming days are critical for shaping the rest of Sunderland's transfer window and their early-season prospects.
