Forgotten ex-Tottenham & PSG star lands lucrative transfer to Middle East after over a year out of the game

Ex-Tottenham defender Serge Aurier has signed for Iranian side Persepolis after over a year without a club, reigniting his career in a surprise move.

Aurier’s Unexpected Revival in the Middle East

In a surprising turn that reignites the career of a seasoned defender, Serge Aurier has inked a deal with Iranian powerhouse Persepolis, stepping into the after more than a year on the sidelines. This move not only highlights Aurier’s resilience but also underscores the growing appeal of Middle Eastern football for veteran European talents seeking fresh challenges.

  • Aurier signs with Persepolis aged 32
  • Ivorian defender enters his fifth international league
  • Available as free agent post-2024 departure

Forgotten ex-Tottenham & PSG star lands lucrative transfer to Middle East after over a year out of the gameForgotten ex-Tottenham & PSG star lands lucrative transfer to Middle East after over a year out of the gameForgotten ex-Tottenham & PSG star lands lucrative transfer to Middle East after over a year out of the game

Serge Aurier’s Persepolis Transfer: A Fresh Start in Iran

Former and standout Serge Aurier has embarked on a new venture by joining Iran’s Persepolis, signaling a pivotal shift following his release from Galatasaray in mid-2024. The experienced Ivorian right-back integrated into the team’s preseason preparations ahead of the formal reveal on Thursday, injecting fresh energy into his professional path.

This transition to Iran catches many off guard, given Aurier’s history in elite European competitions. His journey has spanned clubs like PSG, Tottenham, , , and Galatasaray, and now he expands his horizons to the dynamic Persian Gulf Pro League. Interestingly, this arrives amid departures of other ex- players such as Steven Nzonzi and Wissam Ben Yedder from Iranian teams, yet Persepolis-boasting multiple league titles in recent years, including back-to-back wins up to 2023-sees Aurier as a key addition to bolster their 2024-25 campaign, where they currently sit near the top of the standings.

Reflecting on Aurier’s Turbulent Past and Recent Choices

Back in 2016, while at PSG, the 32-year-old sparked headlines with provocative online remarks targeting coach Laurent Blanc and teammates like Salvatore Sirigu and Angel Di Maria, reminiscent of how modern athletes sometimes face backlash for unfiltered social media expressions, much like a storm disrupting a calm sea. More recently, Aurier opted against a potential return to with , an opportunity floated by sporting director Medhi Benatia, choosing instead this overseas opportunity for greater stability.

What Persepolis Gains from Serge Aurier’s Arrival

The Iranian giants anticipate that Aurier’s seasoned presence will deliver vital guidance and on-field poise as they push to surpass their previous season’s bronze-medal position. With over 300 appearances in top-flight football and international caps for Ivory Coast, including contributions to their 2024 squad, he offers a blend of defensive solidity and leadership akin to a veteran captain steering a ship through rough waters. For Aurier himself, this represents an invigorating reboot, potentially the climactic phase in a rollercoaster career marked by highs, lows, and relentless adaptability.