Sunderland are closing in on a £26m move for Marseille forward Igor Paixao as a replacement for Eliezer Mayenda, according to reports. The Black Cats have also been linked with Jack Grealish, but the Manchester City winger is now in talks with Everton.
Paixao deal close
According to BeOM on X, the 26-year-old has turned down both Leeds United and Aston Villa, who also held an interest in the versatile forward. Foot Mercato claim that Paixao has agreed personal terms with Sunderland, with a verbal agreement close between the clubs and a fee of around £26m being discussed.
The addition of Unique Sports Group facilitating a move on Marseille's part has slowed progress slightly. Should the deal go through, Paixao could be a like-for-like successor to Mayenda, who joined Rennes in a £21.5m move this summer.
Grealish talks with Everton
Fabrizio Romano claims that Everton are now in talks with Grealish, who spent last season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Romano also says that Sunderland are not involved in talks any more, with Everton able to offer Iliman Ndiaye as part of a swap deal.
A return to his boyhood club of Aston Villa has also been talked about, leaving Sunderland at the bottom of the pecking order unless Grealish fancies a fresh change of surroundings. The only pull Sunderland have over Everton is European football in 2026/27.
Attacking reinforcements needed
Sunderland have already signed left-back Dayann Methalie from Toulouse and 20-year-old midfielder Jules Ahoka from Royal Antwerp this week. The club have Europa League football to balance with domestic duties in 2026/27, following an opening day 2-1 loss to newly-promoted Ipswich Town.
Paixao managed six goals and six assists with Marseille last season, while he scored 16 and set up a further 14 in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord in 2024/25. Many fans believe a third striker behind Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor is needed, as well as more attacking threat on the wing.
