Lassine Sinayoko’s proposed transfer from Auxerre to RC Lens has been thrown into doubt after the Burgundy club blocked the Malian striker’s departure, despite an agreement reportedly being in place between the two sides.
The 25-year-old forward did not take part in Auxerre’s training session on Tuesday, as speculation over his future intensified.
According to French outlet RMC Sport, Sinayoko has already agreed personal terms with Lens on a four-year contract, and both clubs had settled on a deal worth €8m including bonuses.
However, Auxerre have so far refused to release the player, preventing him from undergoing a scheduled medical last Sunday.
The sudden reversal has left Lens frustrated, with head coach Pierre Sage openly expressing his displeasure after his team’s 2-1 win over Le Havre at the weekend.
“Normally, we have found him, if the written commitments are respected — and I mean written,” Sage told reporters at his post-match press conference. “Then we should have found him.”
The forward, who has spent his entire professional career with Auxerre, had appeared set for the next step after impressing last season with five goals and nine assists in the league.
His strong start to the current campaign, with two goals in as many matches, only increased interest in his services.
For Sinayoko, the move to Lens promised the opportunity to compete at a higher level while joining a side eager to strengthen its attack.
The striker has made clear his desire to finalise the transfer, but Auxerre’s late hesitation has left the deal in limbo.
Auxerre’s reluctance to part ways with their academy graduate comes at a time when he has become central to their attacking play.
His productivity and consistent performances have made him a key figure in the squad, and losing him so early in the season could have significant implications for the club’s ambitions.
The standoff now places pressure on all parties involved. Lens, buoyed by a positive start to their league campaign, are eager to secure reinforcements to maintain momentum. Sinayoko, meanwhile, faces uncertainty as he waits to see whether the transfer will be revived or blocked entirely.
For Auxerre, the decision underscores the difficult balance between financial opportunity and sporting necessity.
While the agreed fee represents a valuable return for a homegrown player, the club must weigh that against the loss of a striker who has become one of their most decisive assets.
With the transfer window still open, negotiations could yet resume in the coming days. For now, though, Sinayoko’s future remains unresolved, with Lens and their frustrated coach left waiting for clarity on whether their pursuit of the Malian international will ultimately succeed.
