AJ Auxerre Squad 2024/25
The 2024/25 season marks an exciting chapter for AJ Auxerre as the club continues its journey in French football. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talents, the squad has been meticulously assembled to compete at the highest level. This season, the team aims to build on its recent successes and establish itself as a formidable force in Ligue 1. The following is a comprehensive breakdown of the AJ Auxerre Squad for the 2024/25 season, categorized by position, with detailed descriptions of each player.
Goalkeepers
1. Benoît Costil
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Rennes, Bordeaux, Caen
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Benoît Costil, a seasoned goalkeeper with extensive experience in Ligue 1, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his exceptional reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Costil has been a reliable last line of defense for his previous clubs. His leadership qualities and ability to organize the defense make him an invaluable asset to the team. Costil’s experience and calm demeanor under pressure have been crucial in tight matches, and he continues to be a key player for Auxerre.
2. Donovan Léon
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Guingamp, Lens
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2022)
Donovan Léon, a talented shot-stopper, has been with AJ Auxerre since 2022. Known for his agility and quick reactions, Léon has proven to be a dependable backup to Costil. His ability to make crucial saves in one-on-one situations has earned him a reputation as a reliable goalkeeper. Léon’s dedication to improving his game and his willingness to learn from his more experienced teammates make him a promising prospect for the future.
3. Théo De Percin
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Auxerre Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Product)
Théo De Percin is a product of AJ Auxerre’s esteemed youth academy. As a young goalkeeper, he has shown great potential with his shot-stopping abilities and composure under pressure. Although he is still developing, De Percin has already demonstrated the qualities needed to succeed at the highest level. His progress through the ranks is a testament to the club’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Defenders
1. Quentin Bernard
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Nantes, Dijon
- Transfer Fee: €2 million (2023)
Quentin Bernard, a versatile defender capable of playing both as a center-back and a left-back, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his strong tackling and aerial prowess, Bernard has been a consistent performer in Ligue 1. His ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has made him a key component of Auxerre’s defense. Bernard’s experience and leadership on the pitch have been instrumental in guiding the younger players in the squad.
2. Jubal
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Former Clubs: Vasco da Gama, Metz
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2022)
Jubal, a Brazilian center-back, has been a rock at the heart of AJ Auxerre’s defense since his arrival in 2022. Known for his physicality and ability to dominate in aerial duels, Jubal has been a consistent performer. His composure on the ball and ability to play out from the back have added a new dimension to Auxerre’s defensive play. Jubal’s experience in European football has been invaluable in helping the team navigate challenging situations.
3. Carlens Arcus
- Nationality: Haitian
- Former Clubs: Caen, Shakhtar Donetsk
- Transfer Fee: €1.8 million (2023)
Carlens Arcus, a Haitian international, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his pace and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, Arcus has been a key player at right-back. His overlapping runs and precise crosses have added an extra attacking threat to the team. Arcus’s work rate and defensive discipline have made him a fan favorite at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps.
4. Alexandre Coeff
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Udinese, Bursaspor
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2022)
Alexandre Coeff, a versatile defender capable of playing as a center-back or defensive midfielder, joined AJ Auxerre in 2022. Known for his tactical intelligence and ability to break up opposition play, Coeff has been a reliable presence in the squad. His experience in various leagues across Europe has brought a wealth of knowledge to the team. Coeff’s ability to adapt to different roles has made him an important player for the manager.
5. Paul Joly
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Auxerre Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Product)
Paul Joly, a promising young defender, has risen through the ranks of AJ Auxerre’s youth academy. Known for his composure on the ball and ability to read the game, Joly has shown great potential. Although still developing, his performances in training and limited first-team appearances have been encouraging. Joly’s progress is a testament to the club’s focus on developing homegrown talent.
Midfielders
1. Mathieu Autret
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Lorient, Brest
- Transfer Fee: €1.2 million (2023)
Mathieu Autret, an experienced midfielder, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his vision and passing range, Autret has been a key playmaker for the team. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities has made him an integral part of the squad. Autret’s experience in Ligue 1 has been invaluable in guiding the younger players and helping the team maintain possession in crucial moments.
2. Hamza Sakhi
- Nationality: Moroccan
- Former Clubs: Sochaux, Angers
- Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2022)
Hamza Sakhi, a Moroccan international, has been a dynamic presence in AJ Auxerre’s midfield since his arrival in 2022. Known for his dribbling skills and ability to drive forward with the ball, Sakhi has been a constant threat to opposition defenses. His work rate and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively have made him a key player for the team. Sakhi’s performances have earned him recognition as one of the standout midfielders in Ligue 1.
3. Birama Touré
- Nationality: Malian
- Former Clubs: Standard Liège, Nantes
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Birama Touré, a Malian international, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his physicality and ability to break up opposition play, Touré has been a reliable defensive midfielder. His ability to shield the defense and distribute the ball effectively has made him an important player in the squad. Touré’s experience in top European leagues has brought a wealth of knowledge to the team, and his leadership on the pitch has been crucial in tight matches.
4. Gauthier Hein
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Nancy, Auxerre Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Product)
Gauthier Hein, a product of AJ Auxerre’s youth academy, has been a consistent performer in the midfield. Known for his technical skills and ability to control the tempo of the game, Hein has shown great potential. His ability to link up play between the defense and attack has made him an important player for the team. Hein’s progress through the ranks is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent.
5. Youssouf M’Changama
- Nationality: Comorian
- Former Clubs: Guingamp, Grenoble
- Transfer Fee: €1.5 million (2023)
Youssouf M’Changama, a Comorian international, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his versatility and ability to play in multiple midfield roles, M’Changama has been a valuable addition to the squad. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively has made him a key player for the team. M’Changama’s experience in Ligue 1 has been crucial in helping the team navigate challenging situations.
Forwards
1. Gaëtan Charbonnier
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Brest, Montpellier
- Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
Gaëtan Charbonnier, an experienced forward, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to hold up the ball, Charbonnier has been a key player in the attack. His experience in Ligue 1 has been invaluable in guiding the younger players and helping the team maintain a consistent goal-scoring threat. Charbonnier’s leadership on the pitch has been crucial in tight matches.
2. M’Baye Niang
- Nationality: Senegalese
- Former Clubs: AC Milan, Rennes
- Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
M’Baye Niang, a Senegalese international, joined AJ Auxerre in 2023. Known for his pace and ability to take on defenders, Niang has been a constant threat in the attack. His ability to score goals and create opportunities for his teammates has made him a key player for the team. Niang’s experience in top European leagues has brought a wealth of knowledge to the squad, and his performances have been crucial in helping the team compete at the highest level.
3. Rémy Dugimont
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Châteauroux, Clermont
- Transfer Fee: €1 million (2022)
Rémy Dugimont, a versatile forward capable of playing as a striker or winger, joined AJ Auxerre in 2022. Known for his work rate and ability to create scoring opportunities, Dugimont has been a consistent performer. His ability to contribute both in terms of goals and assists has made him an important player for the team. Dugimont’s experience in Ligue 1 has been crucial in helping the team maintain a consistent goal-scoring threat.
4. Yanis Merdji
- Nationality: French
- Former Clubs: Auxerre Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Product)
Yanis Merdji, a promising young forward, has risen through the ranks of AJ Auxerre’s youth academy. Known for his pace and ability to take on defenders, Merdji has shown great potential. Although still developing, his performances in training and limited first-team appearances have been encouraging. Merdji’s progress is a testament to the club’s focus on developing homegrown talent.
5. Lassine Sinayoko
- Nationality: Malian
- Former Clubs: Auxerre Academy
- Transfer Fee: N/A (Youth Product)
Lassine Sinayoko, a product of AJ Auxerre’s youth academy, has been a consistent performer in the attack. Known for his physicality and ability to hold up the ball, Sinayoko has shown great potential. His ability to link up play and create scoring opportunities has made him an important player for the team. Sinayoko’s progress through the ranks is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 AJ Auxerre squad is a well-balanced mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents. With a strong core of players in each position, the team is well-equipped to compete at the highest level in Ligue 1. The addition of key signings and the development of homegrown talent have strengthened the squad, and the team’s performances in the upcoming season will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike. As AJ Auxerre continues its journey in French football, the 2024/25 season promises to be an exciting and competitive campaign.