Paris FC has secured the services of Mali striker Lassine Sinayoko as of Tuesday, pushing the club’s offseason transfer expenditures, primarily funded by France’s wealthiest family, above €65 million ($74 million).
This summer, Paris has emerged as the leading spender in Ligue 1, strategizing for their second consecutive year in the top division with financial backing from the LVMH-owning Arnault family. Last season, they achieved victories against their cross-town rival, Paris Saint-Germain, in both the league and the cup.
Sinayoko, who is 26 years old, has agreed to a three-year contract, though the specific transfer fee paid to Auxerre remains undisclosed. During his time at Auxerre, he netted 12 goals in league play last season.
Reports indicate that the transfer fee is approximately €8 million ($9.1 million), following previous high-value signings such as teenage midfielder Patrick Zabi from Stade Reims, Italian defender Diego Coppola from Brighton, and winger Pablo Pagis from Lorient.
After placing 11th in their return to Ligue 1, Paris FC is now coached by Liam Rosenior, who had a brief stint with Chelsea last season, having started with their French affiliate, Strasbourg.
Sinayoko has represented Mali 30 times, scoring 10 goals, including three in each of the past two editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, where Mali reached the quarterfinals both times.