Tottenhams Serge Aurier during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: 21st November 2020. Picture credit should read: David Klein/Sportimage PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUK SPI-0763-0104
According to the Daily Mail, Serge Aurier is hanging onto his future at Tottenham. The Ivorian’s reactions after being withdrawn at halftime in the Liverpool game haven’t exactly gone down well with those at the club. He is in the final 18 months of his current deal and it is being said that an exit could be on the cards.
Ever since his move from PSG, Aurier has divided opinion like no other. On his day, he can be his side’s biggest threat, capable of delivering match-winning performances. However, the downside is that he has those days few and far in between.
The 28-year-old is a modern full-back who likes to venture forward but the problem with him is that he leaves the defence exposed every time he does so. There is a reluctance to track back and do his share of the defensive duties.
However, his latest outburst can well have some grave implications. After a shambolic 45 minutes of defending where Liverpool scored, Aurier was withdrawn at half-time. He went out of the stadium straightaway instead of watching from the stands. His teammates are also said to be shocked at the behaviour. (h/t Daily Mail)
This is a rather complicated situation for Spurs. If they offload Aurier, they would only be left with Matt Doherty as the only right-back, having sold Kyle Walker-Peters to Southampton last summer. However, Jose Mourinho used Japhet Tanganga in the right-back slot last season and the youngster impressed.
While it was expected that Doherty would take over as the first choice, the former Wolves man has taken some time to adjust to his new side. Nonetheless, the fact remains that Doherty is likely to be the first choice once he fully settles in.
The Lillywhites are in the midst of a grueling season. They have just navigated through a tiring first half only for a repeat to follow. Logic would say that they need every man available and that includes Aurier.
The Ivorian will still be seen as a cover for Doherty but with his contract running out in less than eighteen months, Tottenham should look to cash in on the defender come the end of the season.