Tottenham fans, maybe should not hold breath on defender’s transfer
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Hotspur full-back Serge Aurier is again linked with a move to PSG, however, there are several reasons to doubt this move.
For not the first time in this short offseason, Tottenham Hotspur Ivory Coast defender Serge Aurier is reportedly on the move back to PSG, where Spurs purchased the player back in 2017. Many fans would likely be happy to see Aurier go and even happier with the idea of receiving about £17 million in transfer proceeds. However, despite the desire for this transfer and the funds that go with it, we should all be a bit skeptical about whether or not Aurier is really going back to Paris.
Aurier not the top choice in Paris
The reality of the situation is that Serge Aurier is not the number one target for PSG at right back. Rather PSG is really targeting Achraf Hakimi of Inter Milan who is coming out a true breakout season. The wide-man played 45 times for Inter, scoring seven goals and assisting a further 11 in all competitions.
It is Hakimi and all his production that PSG is really after, however, as we know as a player we at HostpurHQ have scouted for Tottenham, he is not going to come cheap. Currently, according to transfermarkt.com, the Moroccan wide-man is worth $66 million (£47 million) and is reportedly going to cost PSG at least £60 million maybe more if you follow the market.
PSG are negotiating with Inter for Achraf Hakimi. Talks ongoing around €60m but Inter want €80m - Chelsea also contacted Hakimi agent in the last days, there’s still nothing agreed. 🇲🇦 #PSG #CFC @SkySport
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 8, 2021
Inter have also offered Ashley Young a new contract until June 2022. 🏴
Given the price tag of Hakimi and the current market conditions, this is where the Aurier rumor comes into play. Aurier is a rumor designed to pressure Inter into selling Hakimi or risk missing out on a big payday.
Of course, what we all know and Inter Milan well knows too is that Hakimi is “in demand” and if Paris will not pay it, Chelsea or some other money-rich club will. Such is the game that PSG and Inter are playing with Aurier as a pawn. The reason we say Aurier is a pawn here is the price tag is simply too good to be true.
BREAKING: Chelsea have matched Paris Saint-Germain’s €60m (£56.1m) offer for Inter Milan's Achraf Hakimi.
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 9, 2021
Tottenham player not worth £17 million in market
Aurier is currently valued at $22 million (£15.5 million) on transfermarkt.com, making a move seemingly realistic. However, what we also know is that Aurier is currently in the final year of his contract, making the chances of a team paying full value for the defender pretty slim.
Maybe Fabio Paratici is that good and he is going to cash in on the defender and really bring millions back to the club. However, last season Tottenham had sold Aurier to Russia for less than £10 million only for the back to scupper the deal. Had Spurs been able to get more funds last season they would have done so.
For us to believe that a back, now with one year less on his contract in a depressed economy is supposed to be worth his full value, is just tough to swallow.
light. Related Story. Three options at right-back for Tottenham
Do we think Tottenham should sell Aurier?
Yes, and while they are at it Matt Doherty too and they should start over at right-back. Nevertheless, reality says this move likely is not going to happen in the form we are hearing, and may not at all. So before everyone goes spending the proceeds from the Aurier sale, do not hold your breath about any cheque forthcoming.