Serge Aurier close to returning to action in Regional 2 with Montigny-en-Gohelle

Serge Aurier could soon be lacing up his boots again. At 33, the former captain of the Elephants is reported to be close to joining FC Montigny-en-Gohelle, a club from Hauts-de-France competing in Regional 2. At this stage, nothing is official yet: the final administrative steps must be completed before a possible arrival.

The information, revealed by La Voix du Nord and notably picked up by L’Équipe and Lensois.com, marks an unexpected new turn in the career of the Ivorian defender. Free since the end of his stint at Persepolis FC in Iran, Serge Aurier had not yet announced a definitive retirement from professional sports.

A return to the field, very close to RC Lens

The choice of Montigny-en-Gohelle would have as much geographical as personal logic. The club is located near Lens, where Serge Aurier found this summer an environment he knows well. RC Lens announced on August 11 his return to La Gaillette as assistant coach of the U15s, opening a first chapter for him in mentoring young players.

According to consistent available information, the former player of PSG, Tottenham, Villarreal, Nottingham Forest, and Galatasaray could thus hold two roles: coach at Lens and player at the regional level. The approval of his file would still depend on a document expected from the Iranian Federation.

A rebound that raises questions in Côte d’Ivoire

The possible return of Serge Aurier attracts even more attention as it contrasts with the backdrop of his years at the highest level in Europe. Over 400 professional matches, a Champions League final with Tottenham in 2019, and a long career with the Ivorian national team have established his name among the most publicized figures in Ivorian football.

The topic is also experiencing renewed interest in Côte d’Ivoire: “Serge Aurier” is among the rising searches on Google Trends in the country this Wednesday, September 9. A signal that confirms the curiosity surrounding this next step, which is yet to be formalized.

For Montigny-en-Gohelle, the arrival of a player of this calibre would be a spectacular coup. For Serge Aurier, it could above all allow him to extend the enjoyment of playing while gradually preparing for life after his career. As long as neither the club nor the player has officially confirmed the agreement, the transfer must, however, be presented as a very advanced prospect, and not as a completed signing.