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From Berkshire to Burgundy: Danny Namaso’s fresh start in Ligue 1 McDonald’s

Auxerre’s surprise signing of Porto striker Danny Namaso brings a new edge to their attack - can the former Reading prodigy turn potential into end product in Burgundy?
G.BOXALL
Published on 09/15/2025 at 10:26
3-minute read
Danny Namaso was involved in the attacking action for Auxerre during a narrow loss to Monaco this weekend.

Few saw it coming. Just minutes before Auxerre’s first game of the Ligue 1 McDonald's season against FC Lorient (1-0), fans inside the Stade Abbé-Deschamps were treated to an unexpected announcement. On the giant screen appeared the face of the club’s newest signing: Danny Namaso, on loan from Porto. The striker was then welcomed pitchside to warm applause.

“Thank you for your welcome, I hope we can do great things together this year. Allez Auxerre,” he said, setting the tone for a determined first step. Wearing the number 19 shirt, he now arrives to reinforce an Auxerre attack which saw the departures of key players such as Gaëtan Perrin and Hamed Junior Traoré.

📊 Key Facts: Danny Namaso at a glance

  • Age: 24

  • Nationality: Cameroon (formerly England youth international)

  • Club: AJ Auxerre (loan from FC Porto, with option to buy)

  • Career Path: Reading FC → FC Porto → AJ Auxerre

  • Honours: FIFA U-17 World Cup (2017), UEFA U-17 European Championship runner-up (2017)

  • Style: Versatile forward, energetic in pressing, capable across the front line

From Reading to Porto – and now Ligue 1 McDonald's

Born in Reading, Namaso (formerly known as Danny Loader) was once one of England’s brightest prospects. A graduate of Reading FC’s academy, he made 35 senior appearances for his boyhood club and lifted the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup with England, also finishing runner-up at the European U-17 Championship.

Interest from Premier League sides like Wolves never materialised into a move, and in 2020 he chose a different path – joining Portuguese giants FC Porto. There, he flourished initially with Porto’s B team (22 goals in 63 matches) before stepping into the senior side. Over five seasons, he made 106 appearances, including Champions League outings, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists.

Yet, last season was a struggle – just four goals in all competitions. With game time scarce, Auxerre now offers the Cameroon international (he switched allegiance from England) a much-needed platform.

Namaso’s debut weeks in Burgundy have been eventful. He was presented just before Auxerre’s strong opening win against Lorient, before featuring in a narrow 2-1 loss at home to Monaco. The Cameroonian's strike against Les Monégasques was deflected into the back of the net by defender Mohamed Salisu for an own goal - but Namaso has shown already how he can be a threat this season for Les Diplomates.

“We’re disappointed because we played a big game. But we keep working. We have a lot of quality,” Namaso reflected after the defeat, underlining both his frustration and belief in the team’s potential. Personally, he has been clear: “I will keep working to score goals and be decisive."

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Reunited with a Reading connection

In Auxerre, Namaso has found a familiar face. Defender Gabe Osho, also Reading-born, is entering his second season at Abbé-Deschamps. The pair were once youth teammates in Berkshire, but will now be gunning to help Auxerre this season under Christophe Pelissier.

Auxerre finished 11th last season, but they enter 2025/26 looking to grow further, despite the loss of some key attacking players. For Namaso, the challenge is clear: to rediscover the ruthless finishing that once made him one of Europe’s brightest young forwards.

READ MORE: 

>>Ilenikhena fires Monaco to late win over Auxerre

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