Serge Aurier has completed a move to La Liga side Villarreal. The Ivorian right-back has put his pen to a short-term contract at Estadio de la Ceramica until the end of the season. But with an option for two more years.
Aurier was available as a free agent after leaving Spurs by mutual consent last month. Aurier reunites with former Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery. Emery had managed Villarreal since July 2020. And last season handed the club’s first European trophy in the form of the Europa League.
This season, the yellow submarine has struggled to secure victories and currently sit 11th in La Liga. Winning 2 and drawing 5 of their opening 7 games of the season. On the other hand, Aurier will join a defence that has only conceded three times in Spain’s top flight so far this quarter. The division’s best joint record.
The 28-year-old made 110 appearances for Spurs in England. Joining the Londoners from Paris St Germain, where he won two Ligue 1 titles. However, Aurier had abandoned the pecking order in north London. And agreed at the end of August to mutually terminate his contract with Spurs a year before it expired.
“After completing his medical and signing his Villarreal contract, Aurier will head off to represent Ivory Coast… in two World Cup qualifiers,”. “The defender will join up with the Yellows after the international break and will be presented officially as a new Yellows player when he returns to Spain.” the club said in a statement.
Competion for places
Competition for the right-back spot in Unai Emery’s ranks is already rife. Aurier and Foyth also competing with Ruben Pena and Mario Gaspar for a place in the side.
Everton and Real Madrid were also tipped to move for Aurier, but the right-back has now linked up with the Europa League winners. Aurier will link up with fellow new signings Arnaut Danjuma, Boulaye Dia and Aissa Mandi at Villarreal. He will also reunite with former Tottenham teammate Juan Foyth following his permanent move.
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