Spurs wasted £38M on one of the biggest liabilities in EPL who earns more than Johnson

Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as Tottenham Hotspur manager brought a transformation to the club. During his five years in charge, he elevated a mediocre side to genuine title contenders and even led them to their first-ever Champions League final.

His success stemmed from brilliant tactics and smart recruitment, bringing in players like Son Heung-min, Toby Alderweireld, and Dele Alli. However, not every signing during his reign proved successful, and one, in particular, stands out as a costly mistake, matching the earnings of current Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson.

While Pochettino made some astute signings, there were also notable missteps. Vincent Janssen is a prime example of a forward who failed to live up to expectations.

Signed for £17 million in 2016 after a stellar season at AZ Alkmaar where he scored 32 goals and provided seven assists in 49 games, Janssen struggled to replicate that form at Tottenham. Across 42 appearances, he managed only six goals and four assists, eventually leaving for just £6 million after a loan spell at Fenerbahçe.

Another misfire was Clinton N’Jie, brought in for £12 million in 2015 following an impressive campaign at Lyon, where he notched eight goals and nine assists. At Spurs, however, N’Jie failed to find the net and registered just one assist in 14 appearances before being loaned out and eventually sold.

Despite these underwhelming signings, none were as financially draining as Serge Aurier. The Ivorian right-back joined Spurs from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 for £23 million.

At the time, his on-pitch performances appeared promising, with five assists for PSG during the 2016/17 season, including one against Arsenal in the Champions League. However, Aurier quickly developed a reputation for inconsistency and poor discipline at Tottenham.

In his first Premier League start, Aurier earned a red card, setting the tone for his erratic performances. Two years later, he received another red card in a match against Southampton.

His reckless play reached a critical low in the 2021 League Cup Final when he conceded a needless foul that led to Manchester City’s winning goal. Pundits like Jamie Carragher were scathing in their assessments, labeling Aurier as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.” Former Spurs icon Teddy Sheringham also described him as “erratic,” highlighting the frustrations he caused for both fans and management.

Financially, Aurier’s tenure at Spurs was costly. Over four years, he earned £15 million in wages, starting at £80,000 per week before dropping to £70,000. Combined with his transfer fee, Aurier’s total cost to Tottenham amounted to £38 million. This figure appears staggering when considering his output: eight goals, 17 assists, and a series of inconsistent performances across 110 appearances.

The Finances of Aurier’s Spurs Career

Aurier’s high cost per goal involvement underscores the financial burden of his time at the club. While he delivered occasional solid performances, they were overshadowed by his disciplinary issues and inconsistency.

His tenure ended in 2021 when Spurs terminated his contract by mutual consent, a decision that reflected their desire to move on from a transfer that had not worked out as planned.

When compared to current players like Brennan Johnson, who earns a similar weekly wage, the disparity in value becomes even more apparent. Johnson, a young and dynamic winger, has shown promise and continues to grow in his role at the club.

In contrast, Aurier’s time at Spurs remains a cautionary tale of the risks involved in high-profile signings. While Pochettino’s legacy at Tottenham includes many successes, Aurier’s transfer serves as a reminder that even the best managers can make costly mistakes.

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