Nice came close to signing Igor Paixão in 2022 before Feyenoord move and OM switch | OneFootball

Nice came close to signing Igor Paixão in summer 2022, before he moved to Feyenoord and later joined OM. The Brazilian forward had been set to leave Coritiba, his youth club.

According to L'Équipe, Henrique, a former French champion with Bordeaux who was scouting for Nice, was struck by the forward’s dynamism and power, even likening him to Douglas Costa. He felt Paixão could fit Christophe Galtier’s squad but was unlikely to start immediately.

To avoid stalling his development, Nice planned to sign him then loan him to partner club Lausanne, letting him adapt in a less demanding league. The proposal appealed and all parties were on board.

Lausanne’s position at the bottom of their division prompted hesitation from the player’s camp, and Nice paused. Within two months Paixão was flying at Coritiba and he was sold to Feyenoord for €4.5m.

Henrique has since called it a pity but said that is football. He is pleased to see Paixão thriving in France, and maintains he has significant room for improvement and will one day be an undisputed pick for the Seleção.

Source: L'Équipe