Igor Paixão remains at Olympique de Marseille after blocked Sunderland move

Olympique de Marseille (OM) successfully blocked a potential transfer of Brazilian winger Igor Paixão during the summer transfer window. Reports indicate that Sunderland was prepared to pay €30 million for the 26-year-old player, but OM management intervened late in the window to prevent the move.

The decision to retain Paixão reportedly caused significant internal friction at the club. Manager Bruno Genesio and other staff members fought to keep the player, viewing his speed and ability to attack spaces as essential to the team's offensive structure. This stance clashed with owner Frank McCourt, who reportedly sought to capitalize on the player's market value to improve the club's finances. The tension was described as bringing the club close to a “point of rupture.”

Paixão, who is under contract until June 2030, recently returned to training following a fibula injury sustained during a match against PSG. While he remains a key part of OM's plans to stabilize their season, speculation regarding his future persists, as Sunderland may revisit the pursuit during the January transfer window.