Franco-Senegalese forward Sékou Mara joins AJ Auxerre on loan

AJ Auxerre have completed the acquisition of France international of Senegalese descent Sékou Mara despite the closure of the transfer window.

The 23-year-old attacker joins Auxerre on a season-long loan from fellow French outfit Strasbourg and is expected to play a huge role for the club.

Despite the transfer window being shut, Auxerre have explored the ‘joker’ system, which allows the recruitment of a player from another French side to sign Mara.

Mara leaves Strasbourg in search of regular playing time. He could have struggled for minutes this season considering the availability of Emanuel Emegha, who is now the captain of the club and Joaquín Panichelli.

Auxerre had shown an interest in the former Southampton forward before the closure of the transfer window on Monday, whilst the Frenchman has also been linked with moves to Belgium and Switzerland, where the windows remain open.

Mara joined Strasbourg in 2024 and has since struggled to pin down a starting role. His contract will expire in 2029.