AJ Auxerre has dashed Hull City’s summer hopes. The English promoted side tabled a £15m bid for 22-year-old midfielder Kevin Danois, who scored 3 Ligue 1 goals in 2025-26. But the Burgundy club flatly refused, demanding double the amount to release the player under contract until 2029. League standing: 15th in Ligue 1, 34 pts, 8W-10D-16L from 34 games, recent form WWWLD.
What happened?
Kevin Danois’ move to Hull City is hanging by a thread. The Championship newcomer lodged a £15m offer for the Guadeloupean playmaker. Yet AJ Auxerre rejected it outright, per Onze Mondial. Chairman Denis Thouard’s side now wants £30m to let Danois go, with his deal running to 2029. The player, unenthused by the idea of leaving, is now waiting for a sweeter offer-or a U-turn from the club.
Why the refusal matters
Auxerre is banking on Danois. The 22-year-old logged 33 Ligue 1 games last term, netting 3 times. His technical nous and top-flight experience make him a linchpin, Goals this season: 34 scored, 44 conceded (-10 goal difference). Spurning £15m sends a strong signal: the club won’t offload talent on the cheap. But it also risks Danois losing patience, especially if other English or European sides come calling.
Can Hull City come back stronger?
Nothing’s off the table. Hull City, hunting reinforcements for its Championship return, could up its bid. Yet it must meet Auxerre’s £30m ask. Title race: 42 points behind leaders Paris Saint Germain. That’s steep for his profile, but not impossible if the English side eyes a quick flip. Danois, meanwhile, is focused on his future-and on prepping for 2026-27 with Auxerre.
What’s next?
AJ Auxerre is now waiting for fresh bids. The club is chasing a blockbuster sale to balance its books after Lassine Sinayoko’s move to Paris FC. Next fixture: vs Paris FC (away, 2026-08-12) (11th in the table). Danois, for his part, remains in first-team training despite the chatter. One thing is sure: Auxerre won’t part with its midfielder without record compensation. Currently sidelined: Marvin Senaya.
