Igor Paixao on standby as OM seek higher fee after Sunderland offer | OneFootball

Igor Paixao is on an adjusted training programme while nursing persistent muscle pain, and Marseille are inviting competition after receiving a bid from Sunderland for their 26-year-old Brazilian winger. According to L'Équipe, OM are seeking to raise the bidding.

The left winger has been feeling discomfort since last week, before the 4-0 home win over Strasbourg. He trained only in part on Thursday and felt another twinge. A decision on his involvement for Saturday’s trip to Monaco is due, if the window does not accelerate before then.

The issue is not a diplomatic injury, yet he remains on the market. He is open to a move abroad and OM want to sell.

Coach Bruno Genesio would prefer to keep his best players, while sporting director Grégory Lorenzi is focused on arrivals. The club’s upper hierarchy, including Frank McCourt, his entourage and Unique Sports Group, are pushing exits and working in particular on Paixao, regarded as the top saleable asset since Mason Greenwood left for Fenerbahçe.

An offer from Sunderland this week approaches the amount acceptable to McCourt. The club and their representatives continue to sound out alternatives in search of a higher bid for Paixao, signed from Feyenoord in July 2025 for €30m plus five in bonuses. Other English sides and Gulf clubs contacted in recent weeks could yet challenge Sunderland, who were still in pole on Thursday.

Source: L'Équipe

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