Sunderland bid for Igor Paixão nears Marseille’s acceptable figure

Sunderland have made an offer for Marseille forward Igor Paixão that is now close to the figure the French club’s owner Frank McCourt would accept. However, the transfer has not been completed and no agreement between the two clubs is currently in place.

The 26-year-old Brazilian is open to leaving France for a new challenge in the Premier League, while Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris wants to bring him to the Stadium of Light. Paixão already has an agreement in place with Sunderland, but Marseille must still approve the deal before the move can go ahead.

The situation remains complicated by Marseille’s financial position. The club have already sold Mason Greenwood, Facundo Medina and Gerónimo Rulli, and need further departures to raise funds and reduce their wage bill before making new signings.

Paixão is considered the most valuable player in Marseille’s squad, making his future a sensitive issue inside the club. McCourt and the player’s agent favour a transfer, while manager Bruno Génésio wants to keep him. Several figures at Marseille are also opposed to selling him.

There is some uncertainty over the exact level of Sunderland’s offer. One assessment puts it near the amount McCourt would consider acceptable, while another says it remains well below Marseille’s €40 million valuation and has therefore been rejected. The French club are seeking a solution for a player described as being in a holding position while negotiations continue.

Paixão is also unavailable for full training because of ongoing muscle pain. He has worked on an altered schedule this week and felt further discomfort during Thursday’s session. Marseille will assess him on Saturday before deciding whether he can be involved against Monaco on Sunday.