Igor Paixão stayed when Marseille’s summer looked as fragile as its accounts, but the Brazilian winger has made clear that his future could be revisited once the season is over.
Paixão explains Marseille decision
- Marseille faced a difficult financial summer and Paixão was widely expected to be among the players sold.
- Bruno Genesio pushed to retain the former Feyenoord wide man, regarding him as one of the key attacking options in his squad.
- Paixão ultimately remained at OM, prioritising the club’s needs over a transfer. “It was a particular moment, but the club’s situation was why I stayed,” he said.
- The 25-year-old believed a sale would have created a problem Marseille could not easily solve. “Even if they had sold me, they would not have been able to replace me. I am an important part of the team,” he explained.
A summer exit more likely than January move
Marseille still need to raise funds, meaning Paixão’s situation is unlikely to disappear entirely. The player did not rule out leaving during the coming months, although he sees next summer as the more realistic window.
“Could I leave in January? I do not know. It is difficult because squads are already built by then,” Paixão said. “There is a greater chance that I leave next summer.”
He also indicated that he would be willing to reduce his wages before increasing them later if that helped Marseille manage their finances.
Frustration after slow start
Paixão discussed the episode in an interview broadcast before Marseille’s 2-0 win away to Troyes. On the pitch, however, his campaign has yet to find rhythm.
After six appearances, the Brazilian has neither scored nor provided an assist. His reaction when substituted against Troyes underlined the frustration surrounding a player whose value to Marseille was central to the summer’s transfer debate.
