Lassine Sinayoko is at the centre of a transfer dispute between AJ Auxerre and Paris FC, according to reports in L’Équipe. The forward, who played a key role in Auxerre’s Ligue 1 survival last season with 12 league goals, was expected to depart the club this summer after a mutual agreement was reached between player and management.
Initial interest came from Lens in August, who offered €6.5 million plus €1.5 million in guaranteed bonuses for Sinayoko’s signature. However, the transfer fell through amid complications with the player’s representation, leading to a one-year contract extension in January, tying him to Auxerre until June 2027. This extension included a commitment from the club to allow Sinayoko to leave during the current transfer window if a suitable offer – at least matching Lens’ previous bid – was received.
Auxerre officials, through Baptiste Malherbe, provided a written commitment to release Sinayoko should an offer of €8 million, including bonuses, be made. While the legal standing of such a document is questionable under French football regulations prohibiting release clauses, it represented a promise to the player, with a deadline of July 14th. This agreement has become the focal point of the current disagreement.
Paris FC recently submitted a bid of €8 million, including bonuses, for Sinayoko, but Auxerre are reportedly hesitant to accept. The club believes Sinayoko’s value has increased following his most prolific season to date. Auxerre have reportedly communicated their desired asking price to the player’s new representatives. Sinayoko, feeling betrayed by the club’s reluctance, refused to participate in training on Thursday, explaining his position to teammates and manager Will Still. He had previously been monitored by Lens, Lille, Saint-Étienne, and Ipswich Town.
The situation remains unresolved, and it is unclear whether Auxerre will honour their written commitment to Sinayoko. This transfer could potentially strengthen Paris FC’s attacking options, while Auxerre would lose a key goalscorer ahead of the new season.
