Reports from France (Paris United) point out that Paris Saint-Germain defender Serge Aurier has agreed to join Manchester United. As stated in the Express, the Ivory Coast international’s transfer hinges on the outcome of a pending court case.
This is being billed as a huge blow for Tottenham Hotspur because the Lilywhites have been tracking the 24-year-old this summer transfer window with a view of making a bid. It still hurts that Tottenham is still the only Premier League side without a new signing yet.
Aurier was once touted as one of the most exciting full-backs in Europe when he joined PSG from Toulouse initially in 2014. However, his stint in Paris was marred by several controversial incidents, eventually resulting in him losing his first-team place.
PSG manager Unai Emery has already strengthened his squad by signing Dani Alves from Juventus. The Brazilian is one of the most accomplished right-backs in the world and his arrival has pushed Aurier to hand in a transfer request.
Tottenham were interested in bringing him to the Premier League in the wake of Kyle Walker’s exit. The England international was snapped by Manchester City after a prolonged battle with Spurs. This led to Mauricio Pochettino looking for options to add quality to his squad.
It now looks like Spurs will not be successful in the chase as Aurier looks set to join Mourinho at Old Trafford.
How Does This Affect Pochettino’s Plans?
The Argentine manager had earmarked Aurier along with Porto’s right-back Ricardo Pereira as his preferred choices to replace Walker. Kieran Trippier, who ousted Walker from the first team last year, has signed a long-term deal with the club.
So, there is no immediate danger for the first team although Aurier would have been a good addition to the squad. Porto is playing hardball over Pereira and it looks to be heading to another dead-end.
We do have a young right-back in Kyle Walker-Peters to deputize for Trippier who is believed to be Pochettino’s favorite.
With all due respect, Aurier’s move to United may not be as bad for Spurs as how it is being projected in the media.
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