Where does Manchester United's new striker come from? They are close to finalizing the deal, with only one step remaining.
On 28 December 2025, Africafoot, a well-known African football media outlet, reported that Manchester United, a leading Premier League club, is seriously pursuing the signing of Lassine Sinayoko, the Mali national team striker.
Lassine Sinayoko, 26, is the main striker for Mali in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, having scored 2 goals in the first 2 Group A matches, which ended in 1-1 draws against Zambia and the host nation Morocco. They have a chance to advance to the knockout stage.
Sources indicate that Manchester United has started serious negotiations with Lassine Sinayoko and his team, which are progressing well. The "Red Devils" hope to finalize the deal in the winter transfer window to acquire him on a free transfer after his contract with Auxerre in France's Ligue 1 expires in June.
Africafoot further revealed that Manchester United is negotiating an annual salary of 3 million euros. Both sides are still working toward a final agreement. Lassine Sinayoko is versatile, able to play as a central striker and on either wing.
Lassine Sinayoko developed through Auxerre's reserve team before joining the first team in 2021. He has played 159 matches, scoring 25 goals and providing 23 assists, including 6 goals and 2 assists in 16 games this season. For the Mali national team, he has scored 10 goals in 28 appearances.
