Cardiff City are set to secure the signing of Nigerian International Gabriel Osho from AJ Auxerre on a permanent deal. The defender has undergone a medical and an official announcement is expected within the next 24 hours.
It’s a brilliant bit of business for the Bluebirds, who find themselves in League One but have managed to attract a player with genuine top-flight pedigree. Osho made 21 appearances in the top flight with Luton Town during their memorable 2023-24 campaign, even scoring against Arsenal and Newcastle.
🚨Cardiff City are set to secure the signing of Gabriel Osho from AJ Auxerre on a permanent deal. The defender has undergone a medical and an official announcement is expected within the next 24 hours.
— Evan (@EvanWes02) August 26, 2025
[@GlenWilliams12] 🥇#CardiffCity #Auxerre #EFL pic.twitter.com/Zpr6qiNlr1
From Luton to Ligue 1
The Reading-born centre-back was a key figure in Luton’s incredible journey from League Two to the Premier League. After joining the Hatters permanently in 2020, he racked up 85 appearances and became a fans’ favorite at Kenilworth Road.
When Luton were relegated last year, Osho made the move to Auxerre on a free transfer. He’s spent the last year playing in Ligue 1, making 21 appearances for the French club.
Statistical Breakdown
The numbers tell the story of a solid, dependable defender who’s proven himself at the highest levels. During his Premier League season with Luton, Osho averaged 2 tackles per 90 minutes (p90) with a success rate of 59%, while managing 1.51 interceptions p90.
His defensive work rate was impressive, averaging 4.49 clearances p90 and blocking 1.80 shots p90. What’s notable is his discipline - despite his defending style, he averaged just 1.13 fouls p90 and picked up only three yellow cards in 21 Premier League appearances.
At Auxerre in 24/25, his defensive stats remained respectable. He’s managed 1.32 tackles p90 with 0.69 interceptions p90, while his aerial dominance continues with 1.03 aerial duels won p90. His 4.19 clearances p90 rank him in the 87th percentile among Ligue 1 defenders, and his 0.86 shots blocked p90 puts him in the 93rd percentile.
Perhaps most importantly for Cardiff, Osho has maintained a 30% clean sheet ratio at Auxerre, keeping six clean sheets in 20 appearances at a team who don't have the resources of those who finished above them. His passing has been reliable too, completing nearly 90% of his passes at 42 attempts per 90 minutes.
📅Last time out...
— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) October 16, 2024
Gabriel Osho converted this beautifully made team goal for @LutonTown to give his side the bragging rights over local rivals @WatfordFC 🔥
Who'll come out on top when the two meet again this weekend? 🤔#EFL | #SkyBetChampionship pic.twitter.com/DR9WQZ5bML
Why It Matters for Cardiff
Manager Brian Barry-Murphy has been trying to reshape the squad in his vision since his appointment in June, trying to bring in quality additions over quantity, as Cardiff are battling in League One for the first time in over two decades. Adding Osho to that list shows serious ambition from a club that wants to bounce straight back to the Championship.
At 6'1" and comfortable playing across the back line, Osho gives Cardiff options. He can slot in at centre-back or right-back or even as a defensive midfielder, and his experience at the highest level will be invaluable in League One.
The Nigerian international represents exactly the kind of signing Cardiff need to make if they're serious about promotion. Getting a player of this calibre to drop down to the third tier isn't easy, but it shows the pull Barry-Murphy and the club still have.
Expect the deal to be wrapped up in the next 24 hours, with Osho likely to go straight into contention for Cardiff's next fixture at Plymouth on Saturday at the Cardiff City Stadium.
