AJ Auxerre have opened talks to sign Moroccan international midfielder Oussama El Azzouzi as they aim to reinforce their squad ahead of the new Ligue 1 season.
The 24-year-old, who currently plays for Serie A side Bologna, has emerged as a key target for the French club.
According to renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Auxerre and Bologna are already underway, with both parties keen to reach a deal during the current transfer window.
El Azzouzi, capped six times by Morocco, is under contract at Bologna until June 2027 following his move from Belgian outfit Union Saint-Gilloise in the summer of 2023.
However, the midfielder endured a frustrating campaign in Italy, barely featuring for the Rossoblù and finding himself on the fringes of Thiago Motta’s plans.
In total, El Azzouzi made just three appearances last season, all as a substitute, amounting to a meagre 25 minutes of playing time across all competitions.
A stark contrast to the previous year, when he managed 20 outings with two goals and two assists to his name. Although his minutes on the pitch were limited even then, the drop in participation last term has raised questions over his future in Emilia-Romagna.
Now, a move to Auxerre could provide the perfect opportunity to reignite his career. AJA finished 11th in Ligue 1 last season and are aiming to strengthen their midfield depth as they look to build on a solid return to the French top flight.
El Azzouzi’s profile—versatile, combative, and technically sound—appeals to the club’s ambitions.
Transfermarkt currently estimates the player’s market value at €1.4 million, a fee that appears manageable for Auxerre. Should the transfer be finalised, El Azzouzi would join fellow Moroccan Saad Agouzoul at the Stade Abbé-Deschamps, creating a familiar environment that could help ease the transition for the Atlas Lion.
El Azzouzi’s pedigree at international level also speaks volumes. He was a member of Morocco’s U23 side that triumphed at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, securing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
He later helped the team earn a bronze medal at the Games, reinforcing his reputation as one of the nation’s promising midfielders.
While the deal is not yet done, sources suggest that both the player and Auxerre are motivated to see it through. For El Azzouzi, a move to France could offer much-needed playing time and a fresh start; for Auxerre, it represents a strategic investment in a player who still has plenty of potential to fulfil.
With the summer transfer window in full swing, the coming days could prove decisive as negotiations continue. If completed, the signing would mark a significant boost to Auxerre’s midfield, adding international experience and youthful energy to Christophe Pélissier’s squad.
