Southampton forward Cameron Archer and defender Axel Tuanzebe have completed moves to French Ligue 1 side Auxerre on transfer deadline day. The BBC reported the double switch, which sees Archer depart on a season-long loan and Tuanzebe sign a permanent two-year contract.
Archer, 24, leaves a Southampton side currently 18th in the Championship with two points from three games. The club's form reads WWL, and they have scored nine goals while conceding four so far this season. Managerial decisions are being made with key players like Caspar Jander and Flynn Downes currently sidelined.
Cameron Archer joined Southampton from Aston Villa in August 2024. Since his arrival, the forward has made 77 appearances for the club, finding the net 11 times. His loan to Auxerre provides him with an opportunity for regular first-team football in a top European league. Archer's departure comes as Southampton prepares for their next Championship fixture, an away match against 17th-placed Lincoln on September 5th.
Axel Tuanzebe, 28, is a former Manchester United and Burnley defender who now joins Archer in moving to Auxerre. He started his career at Old Trafford, making 37 first-team appearances for the Red Devils. Tuanzebe also had loan spells at Aston Villa, Napoli, and Stoke City before his summer departure from Burnley. His experience in England's top flight and in Serie A adds significant depth to the Auxerre defense.
The dual departures occur as Southampton seeks to improve their league position, currently sitting seven points behind leaders Charlton. Archer's loan move opens a slot in the attacking department, while the permanent exit of Tuanzebe was anticipated after he left Burnley. Manager Russell Martin will now look to other options within the squad, which fans can review on our squad page, to address the team's needs. The club's immediate focus shifts to the Lincoln match, a key opportunity to climb the table.
Southampton's transfer activity concludes with these two outbound moves. The team's next test is at Lincoln's LNER Stadium on September 5th.
