AJ Auxerre are in active negotiations to bring Moroccan international forward Zakaria Aboukhlal on loan from Torino. Only a few administrative and contractual details remain to be settled to finalise his arrival in Yonne before the transfer window closes.
The Burgundy club, currently 18th in Ligue 1 with zero points after two losses, is looking to boost its attack after conceding eight goals in two matchdays. Auxerre are six points behind leaders Monaco and face a tough trip to fourth-placed Lyon on September 4th. This sporting context makes the search for offensive reinforcements even more urgent.
Zakaria Aboukhlal is a 26-year-old forward who has earned 22 caps for Morocco. He left France a year ago to join the Piedmont club Torino. His last season in Italy was difficult, with 18 league appearances and no goals scored. The player was previously a key figure at Toulouse FC, where he showed a completely different level. This move could be a good deal for Auxerre if the striker rediscovers his Toulouse form.
Auxerre urgently needs to improve its offensive output and find backup options in its squad. Strengthening the attack is a priority for the technical staff, especially as the club is dealing with several players on the injuries list, including Assane Dioussé, Marvin Senaya, and Sekou Fofana. Aboukhlal's arrival would bring experience and valuable versatility up front. His profile matches an identified need to diversify options and create more danger in front of the opponent's goal.
Discussions between Auxerre's officials and their Torino counterparts are now very advanced. The two parties have found an agreement in principle for a short-term loan deal. The final agreement now hinges on settling the last contractual points and the usual administrative formalities. Time is tight, but both clubs are motivated to complete the operation quickly so the player can integrate as soon as possible.
Auxerre enters this decisive period with a complicated league record. After two games, the club has suffered two defeats, with a goal difference of -5 (3 goals scored, 8 conceded). To reverse the trend, the team must quickly gain defensive solidity and efficiency in front of goal. The loan of Aboukhlal is part of this logic of an immediate reaction. Auxerre's next match is away at Lyon on Thursday, September 4, 2026.
