News Focus
- Lassine Sinayoko nets double in 2-0 win against Lille OSC
- Victory confirms AJ Auxerre will stay in Ligue 1 next season
- Manager Christophe Pélissier calls forward his most important player
- OGC Nice miss safety after goalless draw with relegated Metz
- Sinayoko almost joined RC Lens last summer before deal collapsed
AJ Auxerre kept their place in the French top flight after a crucial away victory on the final day. The club beat Lille OSC 2-0 thanks to two goals from Lassine Sinayoko. The Mali striker has been the team’s main player throughout the campaign.
The win was vital. Auxerre needed three points to avoid the relegation play-off spot. Meanwhile, OGC Nice could only manage a 0-0 draw with FC Metz. This result meant Auxerre finished the season safe from the drop.
Manager Christophe Pélissier praised his star forward after the match. He told reporters that Sinayoko is always the first name on his team sheet. The coach had worked hard to keep the player at the club last summer.
Sinayoko nearly left Auxerre before this season started. RC Lens wanted to sign him and had agreed a fee. The player was due to have a medical with Lens after playing against Nice on 23 August. However, the transfer fell through at the last moment.
Despite this disappointment, Sinayoko stayed professional. He did not stop giving his best for the team. In January, he signed a new contract that runs until 2027. He finished the season with 12 goals. His nearest teammate scored only three.
The club took a risk by keeping him, but it paid off. However, bigger clubs may try to buy him soon. His current deal has only two years left. Auxerre might struggle to keep him if offers arrive.