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

Ex-Tottenham and Paris-Saint Germain defender Aurier has signed with Persepolis in Iran, marking a new chapter in his career after being without a club since his contract with Galatasaray expired in July 2024. The Ivorian full-back joined the club’s training camp before the official announcement was made on Thursday.

Aurier’s move to Iran is unexpected, especially considering his past in top European leagues. He previously played for PSG, Tottenham, Villarreal, Nottingham Forest and Galatasaray, and now adds the Persian Gulf Pro League to his resume. His signing comes at a time when fellow former Ligue 1 stars Steven Nzonzi and Wissam Ben Yedder have left the Iranian league.

The 32-year-old caused a stir in 2016 during his PSG days when he made controversial comments on social media about then-coach Laurent Blanc and team-mates Salvatore Sirigu and Angel Di Maria. He recently turned down a move to Marseille, which was proposed by director Medhi Benatia.

Persepolis hope Aurier brings experience and leadership to their squad as they aim to improve on last season’s third-place finish. For Aurier, it’s a fresh start and perhaps the final major chapter of a career full of twists.