Axel Tuanzebe emerges as free-agent option for Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre

Axel Tuanzebe, the DR Congo and England defender currently without a club, is being linked with a move to Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre.

The 28-year-old centre-back became a free agent on 1 July after leaving Burnley, where he spent the 2025-26 season. Burnley were relegated from the Premier League last season, having signed Tuanzebe from Ipswich Town on a free transfer in July 2025.

Tuanzebe has made four appearances for DR Congo at the 2026 World Cup, starting every possible match and completing the full 90 minutes in each game. He has represented both DR Congo and England at international level.

The defender has extensive experience in English football, including 64 Premier League appearances and 52 in the Championship. He also played in the Champions League and Europa League during his career, which began at Manchester United.

Tuanzebe spent periods on loan at Aston Villa, Napoli and Stoke City before leaving Manchester United in 2023. He subsequently joined Ipswich and helped them secure promotion to the Premier League in the 2023-24 season.

A move to Auxerre would give Tuanzebe the opportunity to continue his career in France after his departure from Burnley. He remains unattached, with the reported interest coming while he is free to negotiate with clubs.