Olympique de Marseille winger Igor Paixão has indicated that a summer departure from the French club is more probable than a move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The 26-year-old Brazilian, who joined Marseille from Feyenoord, has also openly expressed his long-held ambition to play in the Premier League, a dream that he believes is unlikely to materialise in the immediate future.
Speaking to Canal Plus, Paixão stated, “Leaving in January? I don’t know. There is a bigger chance that I leave next summer.” This sentiment comes despite Marseille’s ongoing efforts to reduce its wage bill, a measure aimed at fulfilling commitments made to financial oversight bodies DNCG and UEFA.
Paixão revealed he is not opposed to taking a pay cut to remain at the Stade Vélodrome, although he confirmed that the club has not yet initiated discussions regarding such a reduction in his salary.
Summer Interest and Managerial Influence
The prospect of Paixão’s exit is not new. Last summer, the winger attracted significant interest from English Championship side Sunderland. Despite Marseille’s challenging financial situation at the time, Paixão ultimately chose to stay with the Ligue 1 outfit.
A key factor in his decision to remain was the intervention of then-manager Bruno Genesio, who reportedly lobbied for the Brazilian to stay, going against the club’s ownership who were open to a sale. Genesio’s wish was ultimately granted, securing Paixão’s presence for the current season.
While a January move appears improbable, Paixão’s comments suggest that the summer transfer window could see renewed interest in his services, particularly from clubs in England, as he looks to pursue his Premier League aspirations.