USL Dunkerque sign Ivorian winger Aristide Zossou on season-long loan from AJ Auxerre

USL Dunkerque have officially confirmed the signing of Aristide Zossou on a season-long loan from AJ Auxerre. The 20-year-old Ivorian winger joins the Ligue 2 side for the 2025–2026 campaign, with no option to buy included in the deal.

The move, announced on Wednesday, 23 July, aims to provide the young talent with increased first-team opportunities in a competitive environment, while reinforcing Dunkerque’s ambitions of securing promotion to Ligue 1.

Zossou, who is under contract with Auxerre until June 2029, arrives in the north of France as part of a strategic development plan that benefits both player and club.

Having joined Auxerre from the Afrique Football Élite academy in Mali in September 2024, the winger quickly impressed the technical staff, earning a professional contract just months after his arrival.

Despite limited first-team minutes in Ligue 1—registering four appearances amounting to just 39 minutes—Zossou showcased his potential with the club’s reserve side in National 3.

Over the course of the season, he scored seven goals and provided three assists in 17 matches, demonstrating both creativity and goal-scoring instincts.

Capable of operating on either wing, Zossou is recognised for his explosiveness, agility, and dribbling ability. His pace and direct approach make him a constant threat in wide areas, while his ability to stretch defences and break into space offers Dunkerque added depth and variation in attack.

The Ivorian was notably absent from Auxerre’s pre-season training camp in Vichy, with the club opting instead to facilitate his temporary departure in search of regular senior football.

Dunkerque, who narrowly missed out on promotion last season, see Zossou’s arrival as a boost to their attacking options ahead of a crucial campaign.

Speaking after the move was confirmed, Zossou expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge: “I’m very happy to be joining USL Dunkerque on loan.

I can’t wait to see you at the stadium, and we’ll do our best to please you,” he said, addressing the club’s supporters.

For Dunkerque, the loan represents a calculated addition to the squad—a young player with high-level potential and the hunger to prove himself.

While the absence of a purchase option underlines Auxerre’s long-term plans for Zossou, the season ahead offers the winger a platform to showcase his talent at a higher competitive level.

Head coach and club officials at Dunkerque are expected to integrate Zossou quickly into their tactical plans, as the team prepares for the start of the Ligue 2 campaign.

His profile fits the club’s objective of combining experienced leadership with youthful energy as they mount a serious challenge for promotion.

With the deal now completed, all eyes will turn to Zossou’s adaptation to his new environment and the impact he can make over the course of the season. For both player and club, the loan marks a significant opportunity to take the next step.

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Bienvenue à Dunkerque, Aristide ????#TeamUSLD pic.twitter.com/9CbCPxaFCf

— USL DUNKERQUE ???? (@usldunkerque) July 23, 2025