Transfer Story
Despite a truly remarkable season for Tottenham Hotspur, it appears as though they’ll need more than Champions League football to hold on to their key assets. Finishing 2nd behind rivals Chelsea, the North London club face an uphill battle to keep some of their stars.
One of those stars, Dele Alli, is being chased by the biggest clubs in Europe. Recent rumours suggest another one may be leaving this summer. Right-back Kyle Walker has been linked with a move to Manchester City for around 40 million quid.
Manchester City might just have their man. So, who do you buy to replace your best (the country’s best) full-back?
Paris Saint-Germain’s Serge Aurier, of course.
Even though the Ivory Coast international has two-years left on his contract, he has seen reduced game-time following the arrival of Thomas Meunier last season. The 24-year old is eager to move abroad and Wembley might just be the perfect location.
Player Stats
The Ivory Coast international played a total of 32 games last season, providing 5 assists. He has amassed a total of 5 goals and 15 assists in his time at the Parc des Princes. Quite a return for a full-back. He is one of the most attacking full-backs in the world right now and is a regular in the international setup as well, with 39 caps for Ivory Coast already before his 25th birthday. (Via Whoscored)
What’ll he offer Spurs?
Spurs fans need not look elsewhere to forget Kyle Walker, as Serge Aurier possesses every bit of the skill, tenacity and grit the England man has shown in his time at White Hart Lane.
Aurier is a very attack-minded full-back and likes to overlap at every given opportunity and has a great cross to match at the end of it. He likes to link up with the attackers and start off the counters.
Coming to his defensive contribution, he is great at interceptions and wins a lot of aerial duels owing to his physique and height.
Spurs play a system which involves full-backs acting as auxiliary wingers, and Aurier can find much joy in taking on the opposition full-backs and wingers. The North Londoners also have most of the ball, and his skilful and adept passing (89% passing accuracy) suits Pochettino’s side very well.
Worth the price?
With the departure of Walker imminent, there opens up a space for a new signing. Not to mention the truck load of money which will come in. Although 40 million quid might seem high, if they need to replace quality, they’ll have to pay up.
