Nigerian defender Gabriel Osho will be playing in France next season after completing a move to Ligue 1 side AJ Auxerre on a free transfer.
Osho was previously on the books of Premier League club Luton Town but decided to part ways with the Hatters following the expiration of his contract in June.
The 25-year-old joined the Kenilworth Road outfit in November 2020 and went on to establish himself as an important player. He played a key role in Luton’s promotion to the Premier League in 2022/23 and was also a regular fixture under Rob Edwards last season, making 21 appearances in the English top flight and scoring two goals.
However, while Luton were keen on keeping Osho, the defender turned down an offer to extend his contract, with the club's relegation further increasing his desire to seek a new challenge.
Gabriel Osho signs one-year deal with Auxerre
Osho became a free agent at the end of June and confirmed his departure from the English club in a post on X on Wednesday. The Nigerian has, however, now been announced as Auxerre’s latest signing.
A statement from the French side said the former Luton defender has put pen to paper on a one-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months.
“The club are pleased to announce the signing of defender Gabriel Osho from Luton on a one-year deal with an option of two. He will wear the number 3 shirt,” Auxerre wrote on their website.
“Born and trained in Reading, Gabriel (25) has spent his entire career in England, proving himself to be one of the most solid central defenders in the Championship. A scorer in the play-off semi-final, he contributed to the historic rise of the small London club to the elite in 2022-2023. Last season, he played 21 Premier League games (2 goals) and rubbed shoulders with the best strikers in the world.”
This is the first time the Reading-born rearguard will be playing abroad, having spent the entirety of his professional career in England thus far.
