Senegalese forward Cheikh Sabaly has sparked a major row at FC Metz after refusing to attend training sessions in a bid to force a move away from the club.
The 26-year-old, who was absent from Metz’s 3-0 defeat to Lyon at the weekend, has stopped taking part in team activities only days after featuring in the 1-0 victory over Strasbourg.
His decision has triggered a strong reaction from the club’s hierarchy, who insist that Sabaly remains bound by his contract and will not be allowed to leave unless Metz’s financial conditions are met.
“Everyone needs to understand that he is not the one calling the shots,” said sporting director Frédéric Arpinon. “He signed a contract here, and no one forced him to do so. He will follow whatever the club decides.”
Arpinon made it clear that the striker’s protest would not alter Metz’s stance on a potential transfer. “If he chooses to continue his strike, then so be it. But he will not leave until the club believes an offer is satisfactory.
That is the position. If he has to remain here the whole season, even if it means watching others play, then he will remain.”
Sabaly, who joined Metz in 2018 after progressing through the academy at Senegal’s Génération Foot, is reportedly determined to move to England, where Middlesbrough have expressed interest in securing his services.
For the player, the move represents what has been described as a deeply personal project. But Metz have reminded him that his commitment lies with the club, not least because he extended his contract until 2026, a decision that solidified his long-term role in Lorraine.
“This is his eighth year here,” Arpinon continued. “Considering his history with the club, he should never have acted this way. These are behaviours we cannot and will not tolerate.”
Sabaly’s strike comes at a particularly sensitive moment for Metz, who are battling to establish stability in Ligue 1 after returning to the top flight. The forward has been a significant figure in Metz’s attacking setup over the years, with his pace and versatility often making him a key part of their offensive strategy. His refusal to train not only disrupts preparations but also risks undermining team morale at a crucial stage of the campaign.
From the club’s perspective, losing a player of Sabaly’s calibre without a suitable financial return would be a blow. With his contract running until 2026, Metz hold a strong bargaining position, and Arpinon’s public comments make clear that they intend to use it.
Middlesbrough, or any other suitor, would therefore need to table a bid that Metz deem appropriate before any negotiations could progress.
For Sabaly, the standoff creates uncertainty over his immediate future. Remaining at Metz under strained circumstances could limit his playing time, particularly if his strike continues.
Yet leaving without Metz’s agreement appears equally unlikely, setting up a confrontation that may drag on for the rest of the transfer window.
As matters stand, the Senegalese forward’s refusal to train has escalated into a full-blown dispute. With both player and club holding firm positions, Sabaly’s future in Lorraine hangs in the balance — a test of resolve for both sides as the transfer window edges towards its conclusion.
