OM: Igor Paixão set for his debut… ahead of Real Madrid and PSG?

At €30m (+€5m in bonuses), Igor Paixão is Marseille’s most expensive signing of the summer and the second-most expensive in the club’s history. His numbers with Feyenoord (18 goals, 19 assists last season) make him a feared attacking weapon. But injured upon arrival, he has yet to set foot on the Vélodrome pitch.

A delayed but eagerly awaited arrival

According to La Provence, Paixão could rejoin team training in mid-September. His goal: to be available for the match against Lorient on September 12, which could mark his first minutes in Ligue 1. After that, two prestigious fixtures loom: Real Madrid at the Bernabéu on September 17, then Le Classique, OM–PSG, the following weekend.

An X-factor for De Zerbi

Paixão’s absence has been felt down the left flank. Mason Greenwood, drawing the opposition’s defensive focus on his own, lacks attacking support. The Brazilian’s introduction could restore balance, depth, and creativity to Marseille’s attack. But caution: he will need to quickly adapt to the physicality and intensity of Ligue 1.

Between impatience and pressure

Supporters are awaiting his “true debut” as a promise of an attacking revival. For De Zerbi, it’s about adding a major piece to his puzzle, right before two fixtures that could already set the tone for the European and domestic season. Paixão has the tools to electrify the Vélodrome… now it’s up to him to turn anticipation into reality.