Nottingham Forest defender Serge Aurier has completed a surprising Deadline Day move to Turkish giants Galatasaray, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Per the source, the Lions have agreed to sign Aurier as a replacement for Sacha Boey who joined Bayern Munich earlier in the week.

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Romano claims that negotiations are ‘at final stages’ for Aurier to complete the move.

Aurier’s exit came out of the blue, considering his key role in Forest’s Premier League survival last season. However, limited playing time under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo sparked speculation about his future.

From a financial standpoint, the move makes sense. With Aurier’s contract expiring in the summer and his hefty £43,000-a-week wages freeing up significant funds, Forest can reinvest or bolster their squad elsewhere.

Additionally, they could receive a transfer fee, albeit likely a small one.

This move offers Aurier a fresh start and the chance for regular playing time, potentially reviving his form. At Galatasaray, he joins a club with Champions League aspirations and a passionate fanbase.

Whether Forest can adequately replace Aurier’s experience and leadership at short notice remains to be seen. The transfer deadline offers opportunities, but potential defensive vulnerabilities should be addressed swiftly.

The move is important for Galatasaray who are in the middle of the title race with rivals Fenerbahce and competing in the Europa League. Had they failed to replace Boey they would have lacked quality and depth at the right-back position for the most critical part of the season.