Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang rejoins Marseille after Saudi exit

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has landed in Provence to finalise a sensational return to Olympique de Marseille, bringing an abrupt end to his brief spell with Saudi First Division side Al-Qadsiah and setting the tone for a bold new era under incoming coach Roberto De Zerbi.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang headlines De Zerbi’s Marseille rebuild

The 34-year-old striker reportedly activated a break clause in his Al-Qadsiah contract after just six months, resisting lucrative offers from rival Gulf clubs in favour of a project he believes can revitalise his European ambitions. Club sources confirm that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has agreed the framework of a two-year deal with an option for a further season, tying him to the Vélodrome until at least 2027.

Why the move makes sense for player and club

After stints at Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, Aubameyang’s scoring instinct never waned, but minutes did. A 24-goal haul in all competitions for Al-Qadsiah proved he still possesses elite acceleration and predatory finishing. Marseille, who struggled for consistency in front of goal last term, view his experience as the ideal complement to Mason Greenwood’s burgeoning talent and the high-pressing philosophy De Zerbi will impose.

The financials behind the switch

Marseille’s sporting director Pablo Longoria negotiated a free transfer once Aubameyang terminated his Saudi deal, limiting the outlay to a signing bonus believed to be €4 million plus performance-related add-ons. Crucially, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang accepted a salary package significantly below his Chelsea contract, prioritising competitive football and the lure of the Champions League qualifiers over a tax-free paycheque in the Gulf.

De Zerbi’s tactical blueprint

Under De Zerbi, Marseille will adopt the fluid 4-2-3-1 shape that electrified Brighton. Aubameyang is expected to spearhead the front line, with Greenwood drifting inside from the right and Ismaïla Sarr stretching defences on the left. The Gabonese poacher’s knack for timing runs in behind meshes perfectly with De Zerbi’s insistence on vertical passing lanes. Training ground insiders already report the coach drilling automatisms designed to isolate Aubameyang against slower centre-backs—exactly the scenario in which he thrived at Arsenal.

Greenwood partnership could be pivotal

Aubameyang’s arrival also offers mentorship to 23-year-old Greenwood, whose loan from Manchester United is expected to be extended. The Englishman’s ability to drop between the lines and thread through-balls should amplify Aubameyang’s goal tally, while the veteran’s dressing-room presence provides guidance Greenwood has lacked since leaving Old Trafford.

Ligue 1 landscape after the signing

Paris Saint-Germain remain the benchmark, yet Marseille believe the gap can narrow rapidly. While PSG rebuild around Luis Enrique’s philosophy, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gives OM an immediate cutting edge that Monaco, Lens and Lyon will struggle to match. De Zerbi’s possession-heavy style requires forwards who convert low-percentage chances; across his Premier League career, Aubameyang boasted a non-penalty xG over-performance of +15, underlining his clinical nature.

Reaction from fans and former teammates

News of the striker’s return sent Marseille supporters into raptures, with ultras lighting flares outside the Commanderie training centre upon his arrival. Former Arsenal colleague Laurent Koscielny told L’Équipe, “Pierre-Emerick remains one of the most professional finishers I’ve seen. Marseille is the perfect cauldron for his personality.” Social media echoed that sentiment, trending #AubameOM within minutes.

What went wrong in Saudi Arabia?

Although Aubameyang hit the net regularly for Al-Qadsiah, he struggled with limited training infrastructure and low-intensity league fixtures. Sources close to the player revealed personal frustrations regarding travel logistics and family life, factors that accelerated his desire to return to Europe. By February he had instructed his representatives to open discreet talks with Marseille, having previously discussed a move back in 2023 before opting for the Chelsea switch.

Contract details and performance clauses

The proposed agreement includes a €1 million loyalty bonus each season and a Champions League qualification bonus worth a further €1.5 million. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will also pocket an additional €100,000 for every five-goal milestone in Ligue 1, incentivising consistent output. Crucially, there is no release clause, safeguarding OM from predatory clubs should his form skyrocket.

Potential impact on Marseille’s youth academy

De Zerbi’s admiration for technical youngsters aligns with club policy. Training sessions will see academy striker François-Régis Mughe working directly under Aubameyang, mirroring how the veteran once learned from Robert Lewandowski at Dortmund. Long-term, the expectation is that Aubameyang mentors Mughe into a first-team role, creating a succession plan rather than a short-term quick fix.

Looking ahead to the 2025–26 season

With construction on the Stade Vélodrome’s new hospitality ring scheduled for completion in 2025, Marseille aim to pair a modernised arena with Champions League football. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s proven European pedigree—31 goals in UEFA competitions—bolsters their qualifying prospects and commercial profile. Shirt sales spiked 40 percent within 24 hours of the announcement, and ticket enquiries for pre-season friendlies against Juventus and Ajax have soared.

Editorial opinion: a calculated gamble worth taking

On balance, Marseille’s acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang feels both ambitious and pragmatic. At 34 he is entering the twilight of his career, but his athletic metrics remain elite and his hunger for top-level competition palpable. De Zerbi’s system should extract the very qualities that once terrorised Premier League defences. If injuries are kind, OM may finally possess the ruthless finisher required to challenge PSG’s domestic hegemony—and ignite one of Europe’s most fervent fan bases.