He wants Leeds: Farke Could Land an even Bigger Talent than Igor Paixao this Week

Leeds United have made an excellent start to the new Premier League campaign, but Daniel Farke is still looking to improve his attacking options before the transfer window closes.

The Whites have already taken six points from their opening two matches, while James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic have made strong starts to life at Elland Road. However, the club’s summer business may not be finished yet.

Leeds have spent more than £85m on new players this summer, and there is now a clear focus on adding another attacking player.

Igor Paixao has been one of their long-term targets, but the Brazilian’s situation is becoming increasingly difficult for Farke’s side. Sunderland have entered the race and are reportedly close to agreeing a deal after reaching personal terms with the Marseille winger.

That could force Leeds to look elsewhere.

Interestingly, missing out on Paixao may not be the disaster it first appears. Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk could provide Leeds with another route, and the Ukrainian may actually offer greater attacking potential if he can return to his best.

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Leeds could miss out on Paixao

Paixao has been heavily linked with Leeds throughout the summer, with the club attracted by his ability to play in several attacking positions.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a productive campaign with Marseille last season, scoring six goals and registering five assists in 22 Ligue 1 starts. He also showed that he can perform on the biggest European stage, scoring four goals in eight Champions League appearances.

Those numbers explain why Leeds have remained interested, but Sunderland’s late push could now change everything.

Paixao and Leeds forwards: 2025/26 comparison

Leeds would certainly benefit from adding another player capable of producing goals and assists from the number ten and wide areas.

However, there is no need for the club to panic if Paixao chooses another destination. The transfer market still contains an intriguing alternative.

Mykhailo Mudryk could be Leeds’ surprise answer

Chelsea’s Mudryk is a player Leeds have already explored, and a loan move could now make even more sense.

The 25-year-old has endured a difficult period in his career and has not played competitive football since December 2024. His suspension has also kept him away from regular first-team action.

Chelsea are reportedly more interested in a loan arrangement rather than a permanent sale, while they want assurances that Mudryk would receive enough opportunities if he moves elsewhere. For Leeds, that could be a very attractive situation.

Farke could give the Ukrainian an opportunity to rebuild his confidence in the Premier League, while Leeds would gain a player with genuine pace, dribbling ability and top-flight experience.

Mudryk’s previous Premier League numbers are particularly interesting.

During his final full season in England in 2023/24, he made 18 appearances and produced seven combined goals and assists. That works out at one goal contribution every 225 minutes.

He also created 1.8 chances per 90 minutes, a figure that placed him among the top 20% of Premier League players that season.

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Mudryk vs Paixao: key attacking numbers

The biggest difference could come in one-versus-one situations.

Mudryk completed 2.2 successful take-ons per 90 minutes, with a success rate of 56%. Those numbers underline the speed and direct running that made Chelsea spend heavily on him.

Paixao is a talented attacker, but Mudryk’s ability to beat defenders could give Leeds another weapon.

That would be particularly useful when opponents sit deep, and Farke’s side needs someone capable of creating an opening without relying on a perfect passing move.

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Leeds could give Mudryk the fresh start he needs

A move to Elland Road would also give Mudryk a chance to repair his reputation.

His career at Chelsea has not developed as expected, but the Ukrainian remains only 25 and still has time to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting young wingers.

Leeds could offer him regular Premier League football, while Farke would have another option to compete with Brenden Aaronson and Noah Okafor for the attacking role behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

There is also less financial risk in a loan compared with committing a huge fee for Paixao. The major concern is obvious: Mudryk has been away from competitive football for a long time.

Leeds cannot expect him to immediately perform at his best after such a lengthy absence. He would need time to regain match sharpness, confidence and rhythm.

But that does not mean the move should be dismissed. In fact, the situation could work perfectly for both sides.

Chelsea would allow their player to play regularly and rebuild his career, while Leeds could potentially gain a high-level attacker without committing to a permanent transfer immediately.

Paixao may still be Farke’s preferred option, but if Sunderland complete that deal, Leeds should not waste time looking backwards.

Mudryk could be the unexpected alternative who turns a frustrating transfer miss into one of the most interesting deals of Leeds’ summer.

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