Igor Paixao expected to stay as Marseille await relief

Olympique Marseille appear close to keeping Igor Paixao, but the club’s final relief will come only after the English transfer window closes at midnight. The 26-year-old Brazilian winger has indicated to teammates and people close to him that he will remain at Marseille despite late interest from England.

Paixao missed Marseille’s match at Monaco after a physical problem, listed as calf and muscle injuries, but has since resumed training. His return gives the club hope that he can be available and fully fit for Sunday evening’s meeting with Paris FC. Marseille’s immediate concern is therefore twofold: securing his continued presence and restoring one of their key attacking players.

The possibility of losing Paixao had also created tension around the squad. Coach Bruno Genesio pushed strongly against a late transfer, arguing that his departure would significantly weaken the attack. He also warned that losing Paixao and other players would force the club’s leadership to explain openly to supporters that Marseille could no longer maintain major ambitions for the season. Genesio’s close relationship with the winger, along with the club’s broader effort to retain its main players, helped limit late movement. Marseille will consider the matter settled only once the English deadline has passed.