Galatasaray sign former Tottenham star as the defender swaps the Premier League for Turkey to reunite with two old team-mates

Galatasaray have announced the signing of a former Tottenham defender. 

The 31-year-old left the north London side to join Villarreal after his contract was mutually terminated in August 2021.

He then returned to England just under a year later, playing a crucial role in Nottingham Forest‘s Premier League survival last season. 

Serge Aurier has been limited to 13 appearances this season due to injuries with his last match for Forest coming last December. 

The Turkish transfer window remains open until February 9 and the Ivorian has swapped East Midlands for Turkish reigning champions Galatasaray. 

A statement by Forest said: ‘Serge Aurier has completed a permanent transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Galatasaray.

Serge Aurier returned to the Premier League last season after joining Nottingham Forest 

The Ivorian joined Forest in September 2022 and play a crucial role in their survival last season 

‘The 31-year-old joined Forest in September 2022 and went on to make 41 appearances for the Reds in all competitions.

‘The defender, who has featured 13 times this season, now heads to Turkey to join Okan Nuruk’s side.

‘We would like to thank Serge for his contribution during his time at the City Ground and wish him well for the future.’

Galatasaray had been in the market for a new right-back after Sacha Boey joined Bayern Munich last week.  

Aurier’s move to the reigning Turkish champions means he will link-up with former Tottenham team-mates Tanguy Ndombele and Davinson Sanchez. 

Despite his injury problems, the right-back is part of Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations squad and has so far featured three times. 

Aurier will hope to feature for the Elephants again when they take on Mali in Saturday’s quarter-final.