Serge Aurier has joined Iranian giants Persepolis FC on a trial basis as the Ivorian defender looks to revive his career ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Once a key figure at clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur, Aurier has been without a club since becoming a free agent, and his next move has remained uncertain.
While speculation previously linked the 32-year-old with clubs in the Gulf region or a return to a top-tier European league, his latest destination has come as a surprise to many observers.
Persepolis FC, one of Iran’s most successful football clubs, confirmed Aurier’s arrival in a statement released earlier this week.
“Ivorian defender Serge Aurier is present at the Persepolis camp,” the club announced, confirming his involvement with their pre-season preparations.
According to reports from Iranian news agency ISNA, the Tehran-based club made deliberate efforts to bring the former Ivory Coast captain into their training camp, which is currently being held in Turkey.
The club is reportedly overseeing a series of assessments and trials that will determine whether Aurier secures a permanent place in the squad.
This unexpected move appears to be a calculated step by Aurier, who is keen to regain match fitness and competitive rhythm after months without top-flight football.
With the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on the horizon, the defender is determined to secure regular playing time in order to make the final squad for the Ivorian national team.
Despite receiving multiple offers during the summer transfer window, sources close to Aurier say none of the proposals met his expectations, either in terms of sporting ambition or contractual terms.
The opportunity to join Persepolis, therefore, presents a unique route for the veteran right-back to re-establish himself at club level and potentially stage a return to the international scene.
Aurier has not made a public statement since joining the Iranian side’s camp, but his presence has already drawn significant attention within Iranian football circles.
Persepolis supporters are reportedly eager to see whether the club will finalise a deal with the experienced defender, who, despite his recent absence from the European stage, still carries a wealth of top-level experience.
If the trial proves successful and a contract is agreed upon, Aurier would join a squad that has dominated Iranian football in recent years, regularly competing in the AFC Champions League and maintaining a strong domestic presence.
Such a platform could prove instrumental in helping the Ivorian defender sharpen his form ahead of national team selections.
As things stand, Aurier remains in camp with the Persepolis squad, undergoing training and fitness evaluations.
The club has not set a formal timeline for a final decision, but indications suggest a deal could be imminent should both parties reach a satisfactory agreement.
With the clock ticking toward AFCON 2025, Aurier’s gamble in Iran may yet prove to be the spark that reignites his footballing journey.
