- Crystal Palace keen on Lassine Sinayoko
- Auxerre striker could replace Jean-Philippe Mateta
- Eagles likely to lose two frontmen this summer
Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing AJ Auxerre striker Lassine Sinayoko and he could be Jean-Philippe Mateta’s replacement. The Malian has earned praise throughout the season, including while representing his country at the African Cup of Nations.
Sinayoko, 26, is enjoying a fine campaign, having scored nine goals and provided four assists in 30 games across competitions for Auxerre. He’s an intelligent and dynamic frontman who can also play on the right wing and in attacking midfield.
Palace are preparing for a summer transfer window without Oliver Glasner as manager ahead of his departure in June. Mateta could follow his coach out of Selhurst Park despite missing out on a move to AC Milan in January.
Crystal Palace Want Sinayoko
Mateta failed a medical ahead of a proposed £30m switch to Milan and the Serie A giants opted out of the deal. The Frenchman has since been back leading the line for Palace and reclaimed a starting berth from Jorgen Strand Larsen.
That said, Mateta’s future is still in doubt and recent reports suggest a move to the San Siro could still be on the cards. He will have a year left on his contract this summer, and a sale is anticipated.
According to Africa Foot, the Eagles view Sinayoko as the “ideal candidate” to replace the French striker. While there is no word on the kind of fee Auxerre will be demanding he is the Ligue 1 club’s highest-paid player.
Sinayoko could be the club’s alternative to Patrick Agyemang, as the club was reportedly eyeing the American forward. But an ACL injury means the Derby County forward is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines including missing the World Cup in his own country this summer.
Not Just Mateta
Palace are also preparing for Christian Uche’s departure at the end of the season, and the Nigerian is set to return to Getafe. He’d spent the season on loan at Selhurst Park but failed to live up to expectations.
The 22-year-old has made 22 appearances across competitions, posting two goals and one assist. The loan agreement with his parent club required him to make 10 starts to trigger a permanent transfer.
That hasn’t happened and Uche’s time with the South Londoners is ending. That might mean two frontmen depart should Mateta be sold.
Sinayoko, who was dubbed “exceptional” during AFCON, could therefore be a replacement. Mateta’s expected move to Milan resulted in Strand Larsen’s arrival but his club-record transfer came as the Frenchman’s Milan move broke down.
