Olympique Marseille thwarted Igor Paixão's move to Sunderland, deal could return in January

Olympique Marseille intervened in the final hours of the summer transfer window to prevent their Brazilian winger Igor Paixão from moving to Sunderland, despite negotiations progressing between the two parties.

Sunderland were looking to secure the deal for around €30 million, but Olympique Marseille decided to keep the player and close the door on his departure during the summer transfer window. French reports confirm that Sunderland were interested in signing Igor Paixão until the final hours of the transfer market.

According to "Le Journal du Dimanche", the player's transfer to the English club could resurface during the winter transfer window in January.

Igor Paixão has joined Olympique Marseille from Feyenoord in the summer of 2025 and had an impressive first season in France, before becoming a target for Sunderland during the summer transfer window. Other reports indicate that the recent English offer reached €40 million including bonuses, but Olympique Marseille rejected his departure.