DR Congo defender Axel Tuanzebe joins AJ Auxerre on one-year deal

DR Congo international Axel Tuanzebe has officially joined French Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre, signing a one-season contract with an option to extend his stay for another year.

The 28-year-old defender was a free agent after spending the previous campaign with Burnley and has now opted for a move to France as he looks to relaunch his career and secure regular first-team football.

Tuanzebe arrives at Auxerre with considerable experience at the highest level of European football. The versatile defender came through the youth ranks at Manchester United before going on to represent several clubs during his professional career.

After making his breakthrough at United, Tuanzebe gained valuable experience during spells with Aston Villa, Napoli, Ipswich Town and Stoke City. His ability to operate in multiple defensive positions has made him a useful option throughout his career.

Primarily a centre-back, Tuanzebe can also operate at right-back, giving Auxerre additional flexibility in their defensive setup. His experience in the Premier League and other European competitions is expected to strengthen the French club’s backline ahead of the 2026–27 season.

The move also represents another chapter in Tuanzebe’s international career. Although born and raised in England, the defender represents the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has been part of the Leopards’ senior setup since 2024.

Tuanzebe was also involved with DR Congo at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the Americas, gaining further experience on the international stage.

Auxerre will now hope the experienced defender can bring stability, versatility and leadership to their squad. For Tuanzebe, the move provides an opportunity to establish himself in Ligue 1 and revive his career after his departure from Burnley.

With a potential second year included in the agreement, Tuanzebe will have the chance to prove his value at Auxerre and potentially extend his stay beyond the initial 2026–27 campaign.