Kaiserslautern has officially exercised the €1.25 million purchase option for French right-back Paul Joly. Previously on loan, Joly is now permanently transferred to the German club and will not return to AJ Auxerre. Following a convincing season in the 2. Bundesliga, Joly will continue his career with the club, which was the 1998 German champion.

According to Sky, 1. FC Kaiserslautern intends to exercise the purchase option in the loan contract of right-back Paul Joly. A fixed transfer fee of €1.25 million will be paid to AJ Auxerre. If 1. FC Kaiserslautern achieves promotion to the Bundesliga in the future, an additional €750,000 in bonus payments will become payable. Paul Joly is expected to sign a contract in Kaiserslautern until 2029.

Paul Joly has been officially loaned to Kaiserslautern, a second division German team, with an option to buy. AJ Auxerre confirmed the transfer on August 26, 2025. The loan deal includes a purchase option, though the financial details of this option remain undisclosed. The 25-year-old right-back departs AJ Auxerre during the summer transfer window, following an agreement between both clubs for his move. AJ Auxerre conveyed their well-wishes for Joly, expressing hope that he has an excellent season in Germany. The French defender, who was also linked with Saint-Étienne, holds a contract with Auxerre until 2027 and has a market value of €1.80m according to Transfermarkt.