Monday’s edition of L’Equipe reports that Serge Aurier to Tottenham Hotspur should reach a conclusion on Tuesday.
The French newspaper say Tottenham have an agreement with PSG to sign Aurier for €25m plus a further €2m in bonuses.
It’s reiterated that Aurier has already agreed personal terms with Tottenham on a five year contract, and has already had an initial medical with the club. That medical was held in Paris, according to the original claims, because Aurier hasn’t been allowed to enter England.
The fullback was denied permission to enter England in November for a match against Arsenal. UK authorities rejected Aurier’s application due to a legal issue hanging over the player. A charge for violence against police officers brought Aurier a two month prison sentence, which he’s since been trying to appeal.
L’Equipe believe there should be an outcome for Tottenham on Tuesday. Not necessarily a full appeal outcome, but it’s stated a fresh UK entry application has been submitted, and will be supported by a document showing Aurier won’t be sentenced to prison on appeal.
If Aurier is knocked back, the Tottenham move is said to be over, and a transfer to Italy, or staying at PSG until the January window, are then the likely options.
There are so many variables here that it seems an absolute mess, and if Aurier gets his work permit, on the basis of what doesn’t seem an actual appeal conclusion, then it could be a transfer miracle.
Serge Aurier could potentially be Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest signing of Tottenham’s deadline week, depending on the previous claims being correct and the player’s legal team working some magic.
Of course, all this completely ignores the other potential disadvantages of signing a player currently wrapped up in a legal case for violence against police… but it’s the transfer circus, so who cares!