Bournemouth loanee Hamed Junior Traoré hints at Auxerre stay | OneFootball

Hamed Junior Traoré (25) has rebuilt his career at AJ Auxerre. The Ivory Coast international joined the promoted Ligue 1 side on a loan deal from Premier League side Bournemouth at the start of the season and has gone on to play a prominent role in Christophe Pélissier’s side.

Auxerre were one of the teams touted for relegation, however, they have exceded expectations and sit comfortably mid-table. With 10 games remaining, there is no feat of relegation for L’AJA. Traoré is a big reason behind that. Whilst he failed to find his feet at Bournemouth following his €25m move from Sassuolo in 2023, he quickly adapted to life in France. This season, he has nine goals and two assists in 21 appearances for Auxerre.

Traoré, speaking on Friday, showed gratitude to Auxerre. “Auxerre gave me the joy of playing football again,” began the forward. When he joined the French side on loan, he did so without a purchase option being included in the deal. However, is there a chance of him remaining at the Ligue 1 side beyond the end of the season?

“It (the season he has had) makes you want to stay but at the minute, we are not speaking about that. We are talking about how to finish the season well,” said Traoré. The question of the Bournemouth loanee’s future will have to wait a little longer.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle