Mali international forward Lassine Sinayoko has completed a move to Paris FC after a tense stand-off with AJ Auxerre in which he refused to return to training.
The 26-year-old, who had openly boycotted pre-season sessions to protest against the club’s reluctance to sanction his departure, has now reached an agreement with Auxerre’s hierarchy, clearing the way for his transfer to the capital.
Sanctioned by the Bourgogne side to undergo a medical on Monday, Sinayoko quickly moved to finalise his exit. He has signed a three-year contract with Paris FC, tying him to the Ligue 2 club until June 2029.
The deal is understood to be worth in the region of €8m, a substantial outlay at this level and a statement of intent from Paris FC, who have landed a powerful attacking reinforcement with significant international experience. Sinayoko has already been capped 30 times by Mali.
Transfer follows stand-off with Auxerre
The move brings to an end several days of friction between Sinayoko and AJ Auxerre, where relations had become strained over his future.
Unhappy with what he saw as the club’s refusal to allow him to take the next step in his career, the forward opted not to attend the restart of training, applying pressure on Auxerre’s board to reopen talks.
That hardline stance prompted discussions at the highest level, culminating in a direct meeting between Sinayoko and the club’s president, which proved decisive in “debloquer la situation” – unlocking the stalemate and paving the way for negotiations with Paris FC to be completed.
Paris FC land ‘dynamic’ attacking option
Authorised by Auxerre to undergo his medical in Paris at the start of the week, Sinayoko wasted no time in reaching an agreement on personal terms and signing his new deal.
The transfer is being viewed as a major coup for Paris FC, who are seeking to strengthen their promotion ambitions with a proven, physically imposing forward capable of leading the line and stretching defences.
Described as a dynamic attacker with a strong work rate, Sinayoko’s profile and international pedigree are expected to add both depth and quality to the Parisian club’s front line. His 30 caps for Mali underline his experience on the international stage and his potential impact in key fixtures.
Significant investment for ambitious Paris FC
The fee, believed to be close to €8m, represents a sizeable investment for a Ligue 2 side and underlines Paris FC’s determination to assemble a squad capable of challenging at the top end of the table.
For Auxerre, the agreement brings closure to a difficult episode and delivers a substantial transfer income, while for Sinayoko it marks the culmination of a push to secure a move he viewed as essential to his progression.
With his future now settled and a long-term contract in place, both Paris FC and Sinayoko will turn their attention to the pitch, where the Malian striker will be expected to justify the club’s faith – and their record outlay – in the upcoming campaign.
