Society
Ivorian star Serge Aurier joins Iranian champions Persepolis
The Ivorian defender's transfer marks a strategic career shift as he seeks international visibility ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
![Villarreal's Serge Aurier during the La Liga match against Levante UD at Ciutat de Valencia Stadium, April 2, 2022. [Jose Miguel Fernandez/NurPhoto via AFP]](/gc3/images/2025/08/19/51389-afp__20220402-370_237.webp)
By Pishtaz |
Footballer Serge Aurier has embarked on an unexpected chapter in his distinguished career, signing with Iranian champions Persepolis FC on a contract running until June 2026 with an option for an additional year.
The 32-year-old Ivorian defender joined at the end of July as a free agent after being without a club since his contract with Galatasaray expired a year earlier.
The move represents a significant coup for Persepolis, which secured a player of Aurier's caliber without paying a transfer fee, sidestepping the substantial costs typically associated with such experienced talent.
Aurier brings impressive credentials, having competed in Europe's elite leagues with Toulouse and Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and Villarreal in La Liga.
His international resume includes two Africa Cup of Nations titles with Ivory Coast.
'Fresh challenge'
Aurier's decision reflects the increasingly global nature of modern football, where players explore opportunities across diverse cultural and political landscapes.
His arrival strengthens Persepolis's ambitions in both the Iranian Pro League and the AFC Champions League, adding tactical awareness, versatility and leadership to the squad.
The defender has integrated with his new teammates already, during their training camp in Erzurum, Türkiye, according to Mehr News Agency.
His immediate goal extends beyond club success to maintaining competitive sharpness and international visibility as he seeks inclusion in Ivory Coast's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The signing "offers a fresh challenge and a chance to rejuvenate his career in a new environment," according to Africa Soccer, while for Persepolis, it "adds both quality and experience to a squad already considered among the strongest in the region."
Analysts and supporters view the arrangement as mutually beneficial, offering Aurier a fresh start while Persepolis positions itself as a club capable of competing at elevated levels across continental competition.