Feyenoord’s Brazilian sensation Igor Paixão has emerged as a hot commodity in the transfer market, with Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag both showing serious interest in securing his signature. The winger, who has dazzled in the Eredivisie with his flair, pace, and attacking intelligence, is now drawing attention from Europe’s elite as clubs prepare for an intense summer transfer window.
Paixão, who joined Feyenoord from Coritiba in 2022, has quickly adapted to European football. The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Feyenoord’s recent domestic campaigns, contributing with goals and assists, and becoming a fan favorite at De Kuip. His ability to break down defences from the left wing, cut inside onto his stronger right foot, and create chances with ease has made him one of the Eredivisie’s most exciting talents.
Leverkusen’s Interest
Bayer Leverkusen, fresh off an unbeaten Bundesliga title-winning season under Xabi Alonso, are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of another competitive year in Germany and the Champions League. Alonso is reportedly keen to add more attacking depth to his side, especially with speculation around possible departures of stars like Jeremie Frimpong and Moussa Diaby in future windows.
Leverkusen’s style of play — high tempo, pressing, and fluid attacking movement — aligns well with Paixão’s strengths. The Brazilian’s dribbling ability and work rate fit perfectly into Alonso’s tactical demands. Additionally, with Leverkusen aiming to build on their historic domestic success, they see Paixão as a player who could make an immediate impact and continue developing under one of Europe’s most promising young managers.
Ten Hag’s Manchester United Also Watching Closely
Manchester United, under Erik ten Hag, are also in the market for attacking reinforcements. The Red Devils endured an inconsistent season plagued by injuries and a lack of creativity in the final third. With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Jadon Sancho and Antony, United are assessing wide options, and Igor Paixão has come up on their radar.
Ten Hag is familiar with the Eredivisie landscape from his time at Ajax and has been known to recruit players from the Dutch league who fit his footballing philosophy. Paixão, with his technical prowess, positional versatility, and work ethic, is seen as a potential bargain compared to Premier League prices. The Dutch manager reportedly believes Paixão could provide competition on the wings and inject a fresh attacking dynamic at Old Trafford.
Feyenoord’s Stand
Feyenoord, aware of the growing interest in their star winger, are reluctant to let Paixão go without a significant fee. The club has reportedly placed a valuation of around €35-40 million on the player. While they are not against the idea of selling, especially if the player expresses a desire to leave, they are determined to extract maximum value, particularly with multiple suitors involved.
For Feyenoord, losing Paixão would be a blow, but the club has shown resilience in the past, often reloading with talented young players. Their scouting and development system remains one of the best in the Netherlands, and any sale would likely be reinvested strategically.
What Makes Igor Paixão So Special?
Paixão stands out for his combination of Brazilian flair and European discipline. His balance and agility allow him to navigate tight spaces, while his crossing and shooting make him a dual threat in the final third. In the 2023/24 season, he registered double digits in both goals and assists across all competitions, underlining his end product and consistency.
Moreover, he’s a player who works hard off the ball — something that appeals to both Alonso and Ten Hag. He presses intelligently, tracks back to help the full-backs, and rarely loses focus during matches. At 24, he is entering his prime and has the potential to develop even further under the right guidance.
Transfer Battle Brewing
With both Leverkusen and Manchester United circling, a transfer tug-of-war could be on the horizon. While Leverkusen can offer Champions League football and a stable, upward-trending project under Alonso, United provide the lure of the Premier League and the global stage. The final decision may come down to Paixão’s personal ambitions, his trust in each manager’s project, and of course, the financial packages on the table.
There’s also a chance that more clubs could join the race, especially if Paixão impresses during Feyenoord’s pre-season or any upcoming international fixtures. With his star rising rapidly, Igor Paixão could become one of the key stories of this summer’s transfer market.
As the transfer window heats up, one thing is clear: Igor Paixão is ready for the next big step in his career — and Europe’s top clubs are lini
ng up to give him that opportunity.
