Manchester United are reportedly laying the groundwork for a future move for Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko, with plans already in motion to secure his signature on a free transfer in the summer of 2026.
According to reports, the club is prepared to offer the Mali international a contract worth roughly €3 million per year as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen their attacking options without paying a transfer fee.
Sources indicate that United have opened advanced negotiations with Sinayoko and his representatives, signaling a strong intent to move ahead of rival clubs who may also be monitoring the situation.
Although the 26-year-old remains under contract with Auxerre until the end of the 2025/26 season, the Red Devils are keen to reach an agreement well before that deadline.
Discussions between both sides are said to be progressing in a positive direction, with optimism growing that a pre-contract deal could be finalized as early as the upcoming winter transfer window.
Should that happen, United would be in a position to officially sign Sinayoko for free once his current deal expires, eliminating the need for negotiations with Auxerre over a transfer fee.
Reports suggest that personal terms are close to being agreed, with the proposed salary package estimated at around €3 million per season.
This has fueled speculation that Manchester United view Sinayoko as a smart, low-risk addition rather than a marquee signing, especially given the club’s recent focus on improving squad depth and financial efficiency.
United’s interest in the Auxerre attacker has raised eyebrows among supporters and analysts alike, particularly as Sinayoko is currently away on international duty representing Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite the surprise surrounding United’s pursuit, the forward has used the tournament to further enhance his reputation with a series of strong performances.
Sinayoko is regarded as a flexible attacking option, capable of playing through the middle as a striker or operating effectively on either flank.
His adaptability is seen as one of his key strengths, offering tactical versatility to any side he joins. However, his overall output at club level has divided opinion.
With 25 goals and 23 assists in 159 appearances for Auxerre, some fans have questioned whether those numbers are sufficient for a club of Manchester United’s stature, even when considering the appeal of acquiring him on a free transfer.
Nevertheless, his current form at AFCON has been hard to ignore. Sinayoko has made an immediate impact for Mali, scoring twice in his opening two matches and playing a central role in the team’s impressive start to the competition.
One of his standout displays came against tournament hosts Morocco, where his energy, movement, and finishing drew widespread praise.
As negotiations continue behind the scenes, Manchester United appear to be weighing Sinayoko’s international form, versatility, and affordability against concerns over his long-term consistency at club level.
If an agreement is reached, the deal would represent a calculated move aimed at strengthening the squad while minimizing financial risk, with the final decision likely to depend on how talks progress over the coming months.
