Manchester United are reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign Auxerre and Mali standout Lassine Sinayoko, as Ruben Amorim looks to bolster his attacking options for 2026.
According to reports from Africa Foot, United are “progressing favorably” toward a final agreement with the 26-year-old.
The versatile attacker, who has scored six goals in Ligue 1 this season, is currently away on international duty at AFCON 2025, where he has scored in two consecutive matches—most recently a crucial equalizer in a – draw against tournament hosts Morocco.
INEOS is reportedly moving to secure a pre-contract agreement in January, with the following details emerging.
Sinayoko would join as a free agent in the summer of 2026 when his current deal expires with a proposed salary of €3m (£2.6m) per year.
Primarily a “shadow striker,” his high defensive work rate (ranking in the top percentiles for interceptions among Ligue 1 forwards) makes him an ideal fit for Amorim’s high-pressing system.
The move for Sinayoko comes as speculation intensifies regarding Bruno Fernandes.
With the United captain linked to a move to the Middle East, Sinayoko’s ability to play across the front line and in the “number 10” role suggests he is being scouted as a potential successor or high-quality rotation option.
Sinayoko arrives with a “clutch” reputation, having now scored in four straight games for club and country. For a United side that recorded a season-low 33.4% possession in their recent win over Newcastle, his ability to drive transitions and “suffer” defensively could be the key to Amorim’s long-term vision.
