Not only UAE, two other big teams also want Paul Seixas

Seixas, the transfer market is widening

Paul Seixas’ 2026 season has started in a way that has made what is happening off the road almost inevitable. After his victory at the Faun-Ardèche Classic and his second place at Strade Bianche — where he matched Tadej Pogacar until the very end — the 19-year-old from Decathlon CMA CGM has become the hottest name on the international transfer market (if he wasn’t already).

UAE on standby, but new contenders emerge

Rumours about interest from UAE Team Emirates-XRG had already circulated in previous weeks. Now, according to the Swiss newspaper Le Temps during Paris-Nice, those same sources close to the rider describe the Emirati approach as a desperate move. It is also specified that the participation of his younger brother, Nino, in a UAE training camp during the winter would have no relevance in the matter.

Visma and INEOS enter the scene

The situation has become even more complicated. According to reports gathered by Le Temps, Visma-Lease a Bike and INEOS Grenadiers are the teams that have shown concrete interest in Seixas. Both could rely on new sponsorship prospects — respectively a Danish IT company and an international-level corporation — which could make an operation estimated at around €10 million per year sustainable.

We are talking about a record figure, although it is still unclear whether these are gross figures or what exactly they refer to. For comparison, one can look at the salary of Evenepoel (details here) and that of Ayuso (our article here).

Decathlon’s response

Decathlon CMA CGM general manager Dominique Serieys responded to the rumours with a firm but calm tone in an interview with Le Télégramme:

“It’s normal that there is this kind of speculation. It would be unusual if other teams weren’t interested in Paul. I’m also interested in other riders. This is the business. We are convinced we can give Paul what he needs to win. As for the contractual aspects, we will be ready. Because today we have a solid shareholder and partners like Decathlon and CMA CGM.”

Serieys then added:
“The level of competition is increasing across all teams. But few can present such a long-term vision, with such solid partners. Today I am starting to have visibility for 2033-2035. You don’t find many partners who commit for five years and allow you to sign an agreement until 2030. We have a plan.”