Serge Aurier is on the verge of reviving his career in Major League Soccer, with two American clubs vying for the signature of the experienced Ivorian full-back ahead of a crucial international campaign.
Currently without a club since parting ways with Galatasaray in the summer of 2024, the 32-year-old has emerged as a top target for MLS sides San Diego FC and Real Salt Lake.
Both clubs are said to have made formal approaches in recent days, aiming to finalise a deal before the league’s transfer window closes on April 23.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations drawing closer, Aurier is keen to return to regular competitive football.
The veteran defender, who captained the Ivory Coast national team and helped secure AFCON titles in 2015 and 2024, is determined to represent his country once more in what would be his final appearance at the continental tournament.
Sources close to the negotiations, cited by Africasoccer, confirm that discussions between the player’s representatives and the two Western Conference franchises are already at an advanced stage. Both teams are hopeful of concluding a deal swiftly, fully aware of the looming transfer deadline.
San Diego FC, a newly formed club with lofty ambitions, is reportedly drawn to Aurier’s leadership qualities and wealth of experience.
The franchise views the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur player as an ideal mentor for its younger squad members, with his presence expected to inject both discipline and confidence into the dressing room.
Real Salt Lake, on the other hand, is in urgent need of defensive reinforcements, particularly on the right flank. Struggling for consistency at the back, the club sees Aurier as a ready-made solution capable of shoring up their defence and delivering immediate results in a demanding league campaign.
Though Aurier has been without competitive action since his departure from Galatasaray, his fitness and desire to compete at a high level reportedly remain intact.
Sources suggest the player has stayed in shape, maintaining regular individual training in anticipation of a new opportunity.
Aurier’s decorated career includes notable spells in Ligue 1, the Premier League, La Liga, and Turkey. His leadership and tenacity on the field have made him a key figure in the Ivory Coast national setup for over a decade.
The prospect of one last major international tournament is believed to be a major driving force behind his desire to find a new club quickly.
Should a deal materialise, Aurier would bring a wealth of top-level experience to the MLS, while also giving himself the best possible platform to stay in contention for Ivory Coast’s squad selection ahead of AFCON 2025.
With just days remaining before the MLS transfer window shuts, a decision is expected imminently. For Serge Aurier, this move could mark a fitting new chapter in a career that has already spanned some of the biggest clubs and competitions in world football.
