Who is Lassine Sinayoko? Man Utd ‘in talks’ over signing AFCON striker on free transfer

Manchester United are claimed to be considering a move for Mali international striker Lassine Sinayoko.

The top priority at Manchester United at present needs to be on signing a midfielder or two. But that has not prevented links to players in other positions.

According to Africa Foot, United are holding talks with the representatives of striker Lassine Sinayoko over a move.

It is claimed that United want to strike an agreement with Sinayoko this month to sign him on a free transfer in the summer window, when his contract expires.

Lassine Sinayoko: Key facts

• Position: Striker
• Age: 26
• Club: Auxerre
• Contract expires: June 2026
• Nationality: Mali

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Lassine Sinayoko, the story so far

Lassine Sinayoko has been a one-club man so far in his career, after coming through the Auxerre youth ranks. He made his senior debut in 2021.

Sinayoko plays as a striker but has a very modest scoring record. He has netted only 25 goals in 149 career games.

This season his strike rate has improved, Sinayoko has scored six goals in 16 games. This included a goal against Ineos–owned Nice.

Sinayoko is currently away with Mali at the AFCON. He has scored six goals in 20 appearances for his country, the latest being a strike against Zambia in the current tournament.

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How Lassine Sinayoko could fit in

While Manchester United do need attacking reinforcements, the proposed move for Sinayoko feels like an odd one.

The 26-year-old has never scored in double figures in a single season, and he would be a total wildcard addition to the squad.

On a free transfer, the view could be taken that there is no risk to a move. And United do not want to be pursuing a big name striker, after spending heavily on Benjamin Sesko last summer.

Sinayoko could be a short-term solution, who adds specific traits the recruitment team may be looking for, while the club’s transfer budget is thrown at signing new midfielders next summer.

But we would encourage you to be wary of this particular rumour until it gains further traction. Until then, his progress with Mali is one to keep track of.