French Ligue 1 club AJ Auxerre has secured the signing of Ghana’s Black Stars midfielder Elisha Owusu from Belgian side KAA Gent, strengthening their squad in a bid to avoid relegation in the 2022/23 season. Announced on January 16, 2023, the transfer sees the 25-year-old defensive midfielder join on a two-and-a-half-year contract after passing a mandatory medical examination, as confirmed by the club. Owusu, donning the number 42 jersey, reunites with compatriot Gideon Mensah, aiming to make a significant impact at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps.
A Proven Talent Joins Auxerre
Born in Montreuil, France, Owusu’s football journey began at Olympique Lyonnais’ academy, where he captained the reserve side and signed his first professional contract in 2017. After a loan spell at FC Sochaux-Montbéliard in 2018-19, he joined KAA Gent in 2019, establishing himself as one of the Jupiler Pro League’s top ball-winners. “Owusu was one of the best recoverers in the Jupiler League,” noted AJ Auxerre in their statement, highlighting his 30-plus European matches with Gent, including a Belgian Cup win in 2022. His performances earned him a debut for Ghana’s Black Stars in March 2022, playing a key role in their 2022 World Cup qualification against Nigeria.
Owusu’s arrival bolsters Auxerre’s midfield, bringing tenacity and experience. “WELCOME TO AUXERRE ELISHA,” the club declared, expressing excitement about his potential to help their survival bid. Despite injury setbacks early in the 2022/23 season, Owusu’s return to France marks a homecoming, having started his career in Ligue 1’s youth ranks.
Reuniting with Gideon Mensah
Owusu joins fellow Black Stars player Gideon Mensah at Auxerre, creating a Ghanaian duo tasked with steering the club away from Ligue 1’s relegation zone. Auxerre, promoted from Ligue 2 in 2022, faced challenges in the first half of the season, sitting precariously in the league standings. “Together, the two Ghana players must work hard to help the French club escape relegation,” stated GhanaSoccernet, emphasizing their importance to manager Christophe Pélissier’s plans. Owusu’s ball-winning ability and Mensah’s versatility as a left-back could prove pivotal.
Challenges and Opportunities
Owusu’s transfer, reported by Sports Brief to be worth €2.5 million, came shortly after a serious injury scare, with initial fears of an Achilles tear in January 2023 training. Fortunately, he recovered to become a key figure, later captaining Auxerre in the 2024/25 season and earning a Ligue 1 Team of the Week spot in September 2024 for a goal and assist against Brest, as per Yen.com.gh. His signing in 2023 was a strategic move to add depth and resilience, though an immediate challenge arose when he suffered a minor injury, prompting Auxerre to consider Caen’s Jessy Deminguet as cover, according to Get French Football News.
In Nigeria, where economic challenges like 52.2% inflation and a naira at ₦450 to the US dollar in January 2023 persist, Owusu’s move offers inspiration for West African football fans. His journey from Lyon’s academy to a World Cup squad exemplifies the potential for African players to shine globally.
Looking Ahead
As Owusu settles into Auxerre, his partnership with Mensah and his leadership—evident in his 2025 captaincy—will be crucial for the club’s ambitions. With the 2023 AFCON qualifiers looming, Owusu’s performances could also secure his spot in Ghana’s squad, building on his eight caps by August 2025, as noted by FlashscoreUSA. Auxerre fans hope his tenacity will help secure Ligue 1 survival and beyond.
