PROFILE | Gaëtan Perrin finally making his mark in Ligue 1

2024 saw the return of Ligue 1 football to the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps. Christophe Pélissier’s AJ Auxerre won Ligue 2 last season and have impressed on their return to France’s top flight. Central to this success has been Gaëtan Perrin.

The Lyon-born right winger joined Auxerre in 2021, and over the last two seasons though have seen Perrin become the heartbeat of AJA’s attack. His workrate, tenacity and flair have enabled him to flourish in AJA’s various tactical setups in Ligue 2 and now in Ligue 1.

The 23/24 season ended with Perrin being celebrated in the Team of the Year 2023–24, with seven goals and 10 assists. In Ligue 2, Auxerre regularly dominated possession, averaging 57.2% per game – the second highest in the league. Perrin was at the heart of chance creation, creating the most big chances in the league over the course of the season. Ironically, his goal-scoring form in 2024 took until a return to Ligue 1 to arrive.

He failed to score in Ligue 2 after December 2023. However, his importance to AJA’s success never waned. Auxerre only lost three games in Ligue 2 in 2024 – two of which Perrin didn’t start. After successive losses to US Quevilly-Rouen and Rodez AF in April, Perrin started all five of AJA’s remaining fixtures as they cruised to the Ligue 2 title.

The summer brought a significant set-back for Auxerre with the surprise return of their shining star Gaulthier Hein – the UNFP Ligue 2 Player of the Year 2023–24 – to Ligue 2’s Metz. AJA responded with the signing of Hamed Traorè, on loan from AFC Bournemouth.

Nine goal contributions already for Perrin

The big question was whether Perrin and Troarè could form a relationship with an output like that of Perrin and Hein – only this time, in Ligue 1. It is a question that the pair have resoundingly answered. Perrin embraced his new-found responsibility and is having an impressive return to Ligue 1 football, with five goals and four assists so far this season. In Ligue 1, Christophe Pélissier is setting up AJA to play a more counter-attacking style of football than they played in Ligue 2, especially in away fixtures. 

Perrin embodies his AJA team. In a set-up that prioritises tenacity and clinicality, Perrin has served up some moments of magic. He is not like most modern wingers. His game is not about his explosivity in attack, nor is it about trickery and showmanship. Nicknamed ‘Le Combattant’, Perrin is a player entering the prime of his career in a team that has brought pride back to Les Ajaistes.

GFFN | Ed Marsh