Newcastle United are interested in signing Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao this summer, according to reports. The 24-year-old scored the winner for the Eredivisie side against AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Paixao gave ex-Manchester City defender Kyle Walker a torrid time at De Kuip. The Brazilian beat Walker, 34, time and time again down the left and didn't allow him a break.
No player completed more dribbles than Paixao, while no team-mate had more shots. He also won the ball on four occasions and created two chances.
His goal was a moment of brilliance as he cut inside onto his favoured right foot before firing the ball into the near corner, though goalkeeper Mike Maignan may have been frustrated not to keep it out. Despite that, it was an impressive performance from Paixao, who was awarded the Player of the Match.
Now, The Sun have reported that Newcastle are one of three Premier League clubs that are keen on signing him in the summer transfer window. Tottenham and Bournemouth also have their eye on the former Coritiba sensation, who has scored eight goals and added 14 assists in 32 matches this season.
Liverpool were linked with a move for Paixao last summer after Arne Slot managed him at Feyenoord. Speaking on that transfer rumour at the time, Paixao revealed he was "waiting" to see if a deal would go through.
Paixao told Globo Esporte back in June 2024: "I only see this on social media. (The fans) don't want me to leave Feyenoord, but it doesn't depend on me.
"Together with my agents and the board of directors we will decide the best path to follow. "I'm listening and watching on social media.
"A lot of people are always tagging me and asking: are you going to Liverpool? I don't know anything, I'm just waiting. But Dutch football is really cool. The intensity is what makes it different."
Reflecting on his bond with Slot, Paixao said: "He also helped me when I arrived, in my development, and I felt like I was helping him. It's good that everything worked out.
"He did an exceptional job with our squad. I just have to thank him and wish him success at Liverpool. He will be missed, but he has to keep working."
