FC St. Pauli confirmed on Friday that Danel Sinani has officially transferred: the 29‑year‑old Luxembourg international leaves the Kiez club to sign with Italian former champion Sampdoria. The move will be sealed after a successful medical test, according to Italian transfer experts.

Why is he leaving the club?

Sinani let his contract run out after three years because he did not want an extension – even the looming Bundesliga relegation did not change his mind. Last season he contributed few assists for St. Pauli, while the team sits 18th in the 2. Liga with 26 points, a record of 6 wins, 8 draws and 20 losses. The 1‑3 defeat to VfL Wolfsburg on May 16 2026 highlights the club’s struggles.

How does Sinani fit at Sampdoria?

Sampdoria, after dropping to Serie B in 2023 and almost slipping into Serie C, has re‑oriented offensively under new coach Bernardo Corradi. Corradi, formerly of Lazio and Manchester City, wants Sinani to play as a false nine – a versatile attacker who creates space. Alongside Sinani, former international Lorenzo Insigne also joins the squad, while French side Metz showed interest as well.

What does his departure mean for St. Pauli?

Losing Sinani further shrinks St. Pauli’s attacking options. In a season where the club has scored only 29 goals and conceded 60 (‑31 goal difference), any creative spark is valuable. The club now must find a replacement to stay in the fight against relegation – they sit 63 points behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

What are the remaining options?

St. Pauli could return to the Australian talents it has regularly signed in recent years or promote youngsters from its academy. At the same time, former defender Philipp Ziereis has moved to Melbourne Victory, showing that transfers go both ways.

Sinani’s move is another chapter in a season marked by deficits. While Sampdoria aims to rise with new faces, St. Pauli must fight for every point to avoid the drop.