Sunderland's bid fails as Igor Paixão stays at Marseille

Sunderland, a Premier League club, submitted a concrete offer for Brazilian forward Igor Paixão, but Olympique de Marseille turned it down, meaning the striker remains in France despite his own wishes. The decision came after a busy transfer window in which several clubs showed interest.

His representatives confirmed that Paixão received offers but preferred to remain in France. They told Top Mercato that ‘Igor is very happy in Marseille and his relationship with the duo Genesio‑Lorenzi is very good’. Por the agent, the player felt calm about the situation.

Sunderland made Paixão a priority and presented a formal proposal to Marseille, but the French club rejected it outright.

Sunderland's bid turned down

The club’s refusal did not cause discomfort for the player, as staying aligned with his own intention. A spokesperson for the striker said the decision left him very tranquil.

Paixão is tied to Olympique de Marseille until June 2030. His camp stresses that any future move must satisfy both player and club, stating ‘Igor has a contract with OM; decisions about his future are taken in agreement with the club’.

Increased responsibility at Marseille

He netted four goals in pre‑season, yet in the first five official matches he has recorded no goals or assists, although he was fouled for a penalty. The exits of Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang and Mason Greenwood have pushed Paixão into a more central attacking role.

His representatives acknowledge the heightened expectations, noting that he is the most expensive signing in Marseille’s history and that he is fully aware of the responsibilities that come with it. Within the dressing room he is often called Paix.

In his debut season for the club, Paixão delivered 12 goals and seven assists across 42 appearances in all competitions, a benchmark he now aims to match or exceed.

His staff no fresh proposals have arrived, although they anticipate a more challenging period ahead. ‘Marseille has not presented anything for the coming months, but we know it will not be easy. Today there is no offer for Igor,’ they said.

Consequently, the focus remains on translating his continued stay into on‑field output as his importance to Marseille’s attack grows.