United closing in on high‑flying AFCON striker with €3m‑a‑year deal set to be signed – report

Months after securing Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United appear poised to pull off another striking addition, with reports suggesting they are closing in on AJ Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko. Although United’s attack has looked sharper this season, with the Red Devils among the league’s top scorers, it remains clear that their strikers are struggling to convert chances. Sesko, the club’s number nine, has managed just two league goals, while his alternative Joshua Zirkzee has found the net only once. Three goals between the pair is simply underwhelming, and their lack of cutting edge is clearly holding this United side back. Head coach Ruben Amorim must address the issue, as solving it could unlock United’s full potential. Encouragingly, an opportunity for a reshuffle in attack is already presenting itself. Zirkzee is pushing for a winter exit in search of more game time, with AS Roma pressing hard to secure his signature. Another Zirkzee replacement eyed While United have yet to sanction the move, it increasingly looks likely. Should he depart, Malian international Sinayoko is emerging as his probable replacement. Africa Foot reports: “Manchester United have entered into serious negotiations with Malian international Lassine Sinayoko and his entourage.” Lassine Sinayoko est désigné TotalEnergies Homme du Match 🇲🇱🌟#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/HkM08lbmB7 — TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 – FR (@caf_online_FR) December 22, 2025 While a winter swoop might have made sense, the report goes on to highlight INEOS’ shrewd long-term strategy of securing the player for the summer, noting: “The English club hopes to finalise the agreement during the winter transfer window in order to acquire him on a free transfer at the end of his contract in June 2026.” Landing a 26-year-old on a free could undoubtedly prove a masterstroke. Sinayoko shining for Mali in AFCON That said, at the moment, Sinayoko’s attention remains firmly on helping Mali deliver a strong showing at AFCON. He has already found the net in both of their opening group fixtures, even though each ended 1-1. However, away from the pitch, his entourage are actively negotiating the finer details of a move to Old Trafford. As Africa Foot adds: “Manchester United are finalising a €3 million salary agreement. The two parties are continuing discussions to reach a final deal.” Upgrade on Zirkzee With six goals and two assists in 16 appearances, Sinayoko represents a clear upgrade on Zirkzee. His arrival would not only strengthen United’s attacking options but also provide genuine competition for Sesko in the number nine role. AJ Auxerre’s Lassine Sinayoko’s stats SeasonMatches Played (MP)Goals (G)Assists (A) 2025/261662 2024/253458 2023/243484 If Amorim can integrate him effectively, United’s frontline could finally reach the next level. Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.