The matches highlighted differing levels of preparation, with Swansea showing superior fitness compared to their Italian opponents. The results come with less than a month remaining until the Serie A campaign commences.

Late drama at Stadio Sinigaglia

Cesc Fabregas’s Como side hosted Diego Coppola’s Paris FC at the Stadio Sinigaglia, though the manager remained without several key players who are still on extended breaks following World Cup participation.

The hosts opened the scoring through Alessandro Gabrielloni, giving the home crowd an early advantage to celebrate. However, Paris FC turned the match around before the interval thanks to a brace from Pablo Pagis, who proved clinical in front of goal.

Fabregas introduced substitutes to change the game’s momentum, with Tasos Douvikas making a decisive impact from the bench. The forward scored a late equaliser to rescue a draw for the Serie A side. The fixture also marked a milestone for defender Andres Cuenca, who made his debut following his recent transfer from Barcelona.

Swansea’s fitness tells against Udinese

Udinese encountered a well-drilled Swansea City side, with the Championship team demonstrating the benefits of being further along in their pre-season programme. Swansea open their competitive season on 8 August with an EFL Cup tie, and their sharper condition was evident throughout the ninety minutes.

Liam Cullen gave the Welsh side an early lead, capitalising on the Italian outfit’s sluggish start. Despite efforts to find a way back into the contest, Udinese could not break down an organised defence.

The result was sealed late on when Elijah Just scored on his debut appearance for Swansea, completing a comfortable 2-0 victory. The outcome underlined the gap in readiness between clubs at different stages of their summer preparations.

Looking ahead

Both Como and Udinese will use these fixtures to refine their tactics and match fitness before the Serie A opener. Fabregas awaits the return of his international contingent to complete his squad options, while Udinese must address the defensive vulnerabilities exposed by Swansea’s attack.

Swansea, meanwhile, will take confidence from their clean sheet and professional performance as they approach the start of their domestic campaign.

Mixed fortunes in the capital

Geubbels completed 27 appearances across all competitions last season, though only 15 of those were starts. He contributed five goals and one assist—a modest return for a player signed to spearhead the club’s attacking line after their promotion to the top flight.

The Villeurbanne-born striker, who began his career in the Olympique Lyonnais academy, remains under contract with Paris FC until 2030. However, his fluctuating status between the starting eleven and the bench has placed his long-term future at the club in doubt.

Attacking exodus likely

Geubbels is not the only forward facing the exit door. Jean-Philippe Krasso, the 29-year-old Ivorian striker who joined in 2024, is also expected to depart. Krasso played a pivotal role in securing promotion to Ligue 1 but saw his form dip following a knee injury suffered in early April.

The potential departure of both players would mark a significant overhaul of Paris FC’s attacking options, barely a year after the club invested heavily to strengthen their squad for top-flight survival.

What happens next

While specific Serie A clubs remain unnamed, the interest signals growing competition for Geubbels’ signature during the current transfer window. Paris FC will likely seek to recoup a significant portion of the €9m outlay they paid to Swiss side FC St Gallen twelve months ago, though his lengthy contract provides the French club with leverage in negotiations.

Paris FC have announced the signing of Malian international Lassine Sinayoko from Auxerre on a three-year contract. The 26-year-old forward moves to the Arnault-backed club for a reported fee of €8 million.

Sinayoko established himself as one of the most sought-after attackers in the French top flight last season. He scored 12 goals and registered four assists in Ligue 1, playing a pivotal role in Auxerre’s successful battle to retain their top-flight status.

Transfer Saga

The move concludes a tense period at the Will Still-managed Auxerre, where Sinayoko reportedly skipped training sessions to force through the transfer. The striker had previously received assurances from the Yonne-based club that he would be allowed to leave should a reasonable offer materialise this summer.

RC Lens had shown strong interest in securing the player’s services during the previous transfer window, but Sinayoko ultimately remained with Auxerre for the 2024-25 campaign. This summer, however, the Mali international has opted to join the ambitious Parisian outfit.

New Chapter

The capture of Sinayoko represents a significant statement of intent from Paris FC as they continue to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The club confirmed the deal after Sinayoko passed his medical examination on Monday.

The agreement ties the forward to the club until 2028. His arrival is expected to significantly bolster the attacking line as the club pursue their long-term objectives.

For Auxerre, the departure marks the loss of a key attacking threat, though the reported €8 million windfall provides valuable resources for manager Will Still to reinvest in his squad ahead of the new season.

The 26-year-old has stopped attending sessions with the Burgundy club following a disagreement with the hierarchy. Auxerre’s management still intend to hold a final meeting with the Bamako-born striker prior to sanctioning his departure to the capital.

English bid overlooked

Financially, the arrangement with Paris FC represents a compromise for Auxerre. The fee is thought to range between €6.5 million and €10 million. The lower sum matches what the club expected to receive when Sinayoko’s move to RC Lens fell through last summer, whilst the higher figure reflects their current valuation of the international.

This amount falls short of the €13 million offer, excluding bonuses, tabled by Hull City. The recently promoted Premier League side were willing to exceed both the current agreement and the previous Lens valuation to secure the attacker’s services. Sinayoko has nonetheless indicated his preference for remaining in France with Paris FC rather than moving to English football.

Resolution expected

The training strike presents the final obstacle to completing the transfer. Sinayoko’s refusal to participate in preparation sessions stems from the ongoing conflict with club officials.

All parties anticipate the matter will be resolved shortly. Once the scheduled meeting between player and management takes place, Sinayoko should be cleared to finalise his switch to the Parisian club.

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• AJ Auxerre

“I want to keep him,” Rosenior stated. “He is a top player.” The manager revealed he had been impressed by Kebbal while facing him during the previous campaign with Strasbourg. He noted that the player’s approach aligns with the club’s tactical vision, specifically referencing a style built upon dominating possession and maintaining aggression during both attacking and defensive transitions.

Kebbal, 28, enjoyed a productive 2025-26 season, contributing nine goals and five assists across 31 appearances in all competitions. His performances have attracted attention from Coventry City, who secured promotion to England’s top flight and are seeking reinforcements ahead of their return to Premier League football.

The Algerian international joined Paris FC in 2023 and played a key role in helping the club achieve promotion to the top flight of French football. He is currently contracted until 2028, meaning any potential departure would require a significant transfer fee or the player’s insistence on a move.

Should Rosenior succeed in retaining the attacker, Kebbal would enter his fourth season with the Parisian outfit. The manager’s public declaration suggests the club is preparing to resist advances from the English top tier, though Coventry’s continued interest may yet test their resolve before the window closes.

The transfer fee has been reported differently by separate sources. French publication L’Équipe indicates Brighton will receive €20 million for the former Hellas Verona player, while Italian outlets suggest the deal is structured as €18 million plus an additional €2 million in bonuses. Paris FC officially announced the move for an undisclosed fee.

Coppola initially joined the club on loan in January after struggling to secure regular first-team football at Brighton. During his temporary spell, he made 14 appearances across all competitions, working under both Stéphane Gilli and subsequent manager Antoine Kombouaré. His displays during this period persuaded the club to pursue a full-time arrangement.

The permanent transfer represents a swift turnaround for the Bussolengo-born defender, who only moved to Brighton from Hellas Verona a year ago for a fee of €12 million. The Seagulls now stand to make a substantial profit on a player who featured sparingly in English football.

Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe welcomed the acquisition. “It’s a great source of pride, with this permanent transfer, to make Diego a true Paris FC player,” he said. “Rare are the players who combine all his qualities, as a footballer and as a man. Diego’s return to Paris FC is excellent news for us.”

New Management Era

Coppola will work under a third different manager during his time at the Stade Jean Bouin next season. Liam Rosenior has taken charge of the club, replacing Kombouaré in the dugout. Rosenior carries historic links to Coppola’s former employers through his previous spells at Brighton as both a player and coach.

The defender came through Hellas Verona’s academy and established himself over four Serie A campaigns before his switch to England. He earned his first senior Italy call-up in June 2025, highlighting his growing reputation at international level.

With his permanent arrival confirmed, Coppola provides a boost to Rosenior’s defensive resources as the new manager looks to implement his philosophy ahead of the upcoming campaign. Having already adapted to the demands of French football during his six-month loan, the centre-back is expected to play a significant role as the club seeks to establish itself in the top flight.

The transfer fee has not been disclosed by either club, although the deal is understood to be worth approximately €15 million. Pagis moves to Paris after enjoying a breakthrough season with Les Merlus, where he demonstrated his ability to perform consistently in the French top flight.

Productive season draws attention

During the 2025-26 campaign, Pagis scored 10 goals and provided five assists across 32 appearances in all competitions for Lorient. His performances attracted interest from several Ligue 1 rivals, with RC Lens, Olympique Lyonnais and RC Strasbourg-Alsace all previously credited with an interest in securing his services.

The forward had indicated a preference to remain in his native France, allowing Paris FC to win the race for his signature despite competition from established top-flight sides.

Four signings in quick succession

Pagis follows Patrick Zabi, Diego Coppola and Emmanuel Mbemba through the door at the Stade Sébastien Charléty. Zabi arrived from Stade de Reims earlier in the window, while Coppola and 18-year-old Mbemba have both joined within the past week alongside the new attacking recruit.

Rosenior, who took charge of the Parisian side after leaving Chelsea, has clearly been backed to reshape the squad significantly this summer. The addition of Pagis provides the former Hull City manager with a proven Ligue 1 goalscorer as he looks to improve the club’s standing in the division.

Paris FC will hope the 23-year-old can replicate his form from last season as they target a more competitive campaign in the French top flight.

The striker’s contract expires next summer, leaving Auxerre facing the prospect of losing a key asset for nothing if they fail to sell in the current window. Sinayoko believes the club has broken a commitment made last year, when they blocked a potential switch to RC Lens on the understanding he could leave if a reasonable offer arrived this summer.

Broken promises and training boycott

Sinayoko feels betrayed by Auxerre’s stance and has opted to skip training sessions entirely. The forward considers that mutual trust has been permanently damaged, prompting his decision to stay away from the training ground.

Last summer, Lens pushed hard to sign the Mali international, but Auxerre opted to retain their centre-forward. At that time, Sinayoko reportedly received assurances that he would be allowed to depart this summer should an appropriate bid materialise. With Auxerre now rejecting offers, the player has taken drastic action to accelerate his departure.

Paris FC bid falls short

Paris FC have emerged as the most concrete suitors, submitting a €7m offer for Sinayoko. However, this falls €5m short of Auxerre’s €12m asking price, creating a significant gap in negotiations.

While Paris FC lead the chase, interest extends beyond Ligue 1. Premier League clubs are monitoring the situation, and AS Monaco have also been mentioned as potential destinations for the forward. The variety of interested parties suggests Sinayoko could have options should Auxerre soften their stance.

Clock ticking for Auxerre

With Sinayoko’s deal running down and the player unwilling to reintegrate, Auxerre face a dilemma. They can hold out for their €12m valuation and risk a disgruntled squad member, or accept a lower fee to secure value before his contract expires.

The training boycott intensifies pressure on the club to resolve the situation swiftly. Given the forward’s contract status, potential buyers may gamble on waiting for a reduced price or a free transfer next year, further complicating Auxerre’s negotiating position.

• Antoine Kombouaré joined Paris FC in February on a short-term deal
• He saved the club from relegation with six wins and three draws in eleven games
• The team finished 11th, twelve points clear of the drop zone
• Both parties want to continue but no new contract has been signed
• The club is looking at other options as a backup plan

Antoine Kombouaré faces an unclear future at Paris FC after saving the team from relegation. The French coach joined the club in late February when they were in danger of going down.

He made a big impact quickly. The team won six matches and drew three in the eleven games he managed. This good run took them to 11th place in the table. They finished twelve points above the relegation playoff spot.

However, his job is not secure. Both Kombouaré and the club want him to stay. But they have not yet agreed on a new contract. This delay was not expected.

The club still wants Kombouaré as their first choice. But they have also looked at other managers just in case. This means it is possible he will not stay at the Stade Jean Bouin next season.

• Serie A sides AC Monza and Genoa are tracking Burnley winger Luca Koleosho
• Paris FC must decide whether to sign the 21-year-old permanently by June 30th
• The American forward has scored three goals and provided one assist in 16 French league matches
• Both Italian clubs view the Connecticut-born attacker as a quality addition to their squads

Two Italian top-flight clubs are monitoring the future of Luca Koleosho. The 21-year-old winger is currently on loan at Paris FC from Burnley, but his long-term stay in France remains uncertain.

The French club holds an option to buy the player outright. However, they must make a final decision by June 30th. Sources indicate that the club’s management are concerned about the high cost required to secure his signature on a permanent basis.

This uncertainty has attracted attention from Serie A. AC Monza, who have secured promotion to the Italian top division, are interested in securing his services. Genoa, who will also compete in Serie A next term, are equally keen on the player.

The forward, who was born in Connecticut, has delivered solid performances during his spell in France. He has found the net three times and set up one further goal in 16 league outings. These contributions have shown he can be decisive in key moments.

If Paris FC decide against activating their purchase clause, Monza and Genoa are ready to move. Both clubs believe Koleosho would add significant quality to their attacking departments.