Olympique de Marseille retains Igor Paixão despite Sunderland interest

Olympique de Marseille has decided to retain Brazilian winger Igor Paixão despite significant interest from English side Sunderland. Negotiations with Sunderland had reportedly reached an advanced stage, with a potential deal valued at approximately €40 million including bonuses on the table.

However, the transfer appears to have stalled due to a combination of administrative issues and internal club decisions. Reports indicate that Marseille's inability to register new players has complicated squad movements. Additionally, manager Bruno Genesio and other club officials, including president Stéphane Richard, pushed to keep the player to avoid a shortage of talent.

While owner Frank McCourt had previously expressed a desire to sell the player to bolster the club's finances, the decision to keep Paixão was ultimately made to ensure squad stability. The player's future remains tied to Marseille as the summer transfer window approaches its close.