Liverpool might just have a suffered a huge blow in the pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain full-back Serge Aurier as the French giants have reportedly offered the 24-year-old a new three-year contract. The Reds have faced immense criticism this season owing to their unorganised and nervy defence with Jurgen Klopp keeping defenders as his primary summer targets.
Aurier has been a beast of a player in that position and his brilliant displays have earned him increased interest from Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League. And owing to the Ivory Coast international’s decreasing first team chances, he has been reportedly seeking chances elsewhere at the end of the season.
Aurier has, however, not responded to the offer yet after spending most of the season playing the second fiddle to Thomas Meunier. He has managed just 18 league appearances so far and five Champions League games. He has managed five assists in them and thinks himself to be ready for the top-level competition.
An academy product of RC Lens, Aurier broke into the first team of the Ligue 1 side early in 2010. His impressive displays despite being a young blood earned him a move to FC Toulouse in 2012. PSG took him on loan after two seasons in 2014 and he wasn’t to let go of the brilliant chance out of hand. He managed to impress them and finally sealed a permanent move next season.
Though only 176cm in height, Aurier more than makes up for it by his brilliant defending and dribbling skills. He can also provide some of the most delightful of crosses from the flanks. Right-back has emerged as the in-demand position in the upcoming transfer window with numerous clubs in need of full-backs. And Aurier is undoubtedly one of the most cherished individuals in that role.
Barcelona are in desperate need of Dani Alves’ replacement that has cost them this season; Manchester City are aiming a total overhaul of the squad with defence being the main priority; Chelsea after securing Champions league needs to improve their bench with wing-backs being the first priority. Aurier surely tops the list in all their targets, hence Liverpool will surely have a huge bidding war on their hands.
PSG is well aware of it and wants to hold on to the player. Aurier’s contract runs till 2019 and if he takes the current deal, it would extend till 2022. However, uncertainty regarding the first-team action would be a deciding factor here.
