Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre are strengthening their squad late in the transfer window with two defensive arrivals and an offensive target nearing completion. Central defender Axel Tuanzebe has signed as a free agent, while striker Cameron Archer is close to joining on loan.
The Burgundy club, currently 18th in the table with zero points after two losses, is looking to reverse its fortunes ahead of a tricky away fixture against 4th-placed Lyon this Thursday. These moves come as Will Still's team has conceded eight goals in two matchdays, a record that explains the priority given to shoring up the defence.
Axel Tuanzebe, 28, joins AJA after his contract with Burnley expired in June. The defender, a product of Manchester United's academy, brings Premier League experience and has signed a contract of undisclosed length. His signing, now official, addresses a glaring need in the heart of the defence.
In the attacking department, Auxerre's management are in advanced negotiations to bring in Cameron Archer. The 24-year-old striker, owned by Southampton, is expected to arrive on a loan deal. Meanwhile, the loan deal for winger Zakaria Aboukhlal from Torino has also been finalised, adding to Will Still's options out wide.
The young English manager, Will Still, has inherited a team struggling at the start of the season. With three goals scored but eight conceded and a -5 goal difference, the defensive assessment is harsh. The arrival of an experienced defender like Tuanzebe directly answers this urgency.
These signings aim to bring stability and depth to a squad facing a demanding schedule. The standings page shows AJA are already six points behind leaders Monaco. Every point gained in the coming games will be vital to climb the table.
Tuanzebe's versatility, capable of playing both centrally and at right-back, offers tactical solutions for Will Still. His physical profile and top-level experience could make him an immediate defensive leader.
Cameron Archer, for his part, is a recognised centre-forward known for his finishing and runs in behind. His loan, if completed, would provide welcome competition in an area where efficiency in front of goal must improve. All the squad movements for this transfer window can be viewed on our dedicated squad page.
The team has little time to settle. Their next match is scheduled for Thursday, 4 September 2026, away to Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon currently sit in 4th place, making them a top-tier opponent, especially for a team searching for its first points.
The mission is clear: bring back a positive result from Groupama Stadium to finally kick-start AJ Auxerre's season.
