AJ Auxerre are in advanced negotiations to sign Moroccan international striker Zakaria Aboukhlal on loan., only administrative and contractual details remain to be finalised with Torino for the deal.
The Burgundy club, currently 18th in Ligue 1 with 0 points after two losses, is looking to bolster its attack. The team has scored three goals but conceded eight in two matchdays, falling six points behind leaders Monaco. This search for a new profile comes in a difficult context, with several notable absences including Assane Dioussé, Marvin Senaya, and Sekou Fofana.
Zakaria Aboukhlal is a 26-year-old striker, capped 18 times by Morocco. He left France a year ago to join Torino, but his season in Italy was challenging. The player failed to score in 18 appearances for the Serie A side. A loan to Auxerre would represent a chance to reboot his career for a player who previously showed promise at Toulouse FC. His profile of speed and direct running could offer a different solution to an Auxerre attack lacking efficiency.
Discussions between AJA and the Italian club are described as being at a very advanced stage. The main parts of the deal are agreed, with the final hurdles being paperwork and contract clauses. No details have emerged yet regarding a potential purchase option or salary contributions. This potential move would add to the list of players tracked by the club, viewable on our squad page.
The arrival of Aboukhlal would address a glaring need in attack. The record from two games is harsh, with three goals scored and eight conceded. The team must quickly find solutions to climb the table, especially with the next challenge being a tough one: an away trip to Lyon, 4th in the standings, this Friday, September 4, 2026. The upcoming match schedule can be found on our fixtures page. The quick integration of a new attacking element could be an important lever to reverse the negative dynamic of the opening matches.
Auxerre's sporting management is thus active in the transfer market to try and rectify a worrying sporting situation at the start of the 2026-2027 season. The loan of Zakaria Aboukhlal, if finalised in the coming hours or days, could be announced before the match against Lyon.
