Former Tottenham defender Serge Aurier is reportedly set to join Villarreal after being released from Spurs this summer.
According to L’Equipe, the Ivory Coast international is ‘very close’ to completing a move to the La Liga side. Aurier mutually agreed to leave Tottenham in the transfer window following the arrival of FC Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal.
Since then, Aurier has remained a free agent. However the defender now looks close to finally signing for a new club in the form of Villarreal. With the Castellon side competing in the UEFA Champions League, it could be a fantastic opportunity for the defender.
Indeed, Aurier will around familiar faces at Villarreal. Namely Juan Foyth, who was a teammate of the defender at Spurs. Unai Emery also coached the right-back whilst at PSG.
The decision could come as a surprise to Tottenham fans. After all, Villarreal are the reigning UEFA Europa League holders and compete in Europe’s highest club competition in the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Aurier was in-and-out of a Spurs side that could only finish seventh in the Premier League last season.
Aurier could flourish alongside familiar faces at Villarreal
Whilst La Liga could be well-suited to Aurier’s game, it will likely take some time for the former PSG to adjust to top-flight Spanish football.
However, with Emery, who has worked with the right-back before, the Ivorian could soon be playing alongside Foyth in the Champions League.
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