Transfers

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set for sensational Marseille reunion

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be about to reignite his Ligue 1 story, with sources in France indicating that a two-year contract at Olympique de Marseille is close to completion.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the road back to Ligue 1

After a whirlwind 12 months in the Saudi Pro League, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Al-Qadsiah agreed this week to a mutual termination, freeing the 34-year-old from a deal that still had one season to run. That decision opened the door for Marseille sporting director Mehdi Benatia, who moved quickly to convince the former Gabon captain that a return to the Velodrome could revitalise both player and club.

Why Marseille want Aubameyang right now

Marseille endured a turbulent 2023-24 campaign, finishing outside the Champions League places and often looking blunt in front of goal. Coach Jean-Louis Gasset rotated between Vitinha, Iliman Ndiaye and Faris Moumbagna, but none provided the razor-sharp finishing that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered throughout his spells at Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal and Barcelona. A proven scorer with European pedigree is therefore a priority, and the free-agent status of the Gabonese marksman ticks crucial financial boxes for a club operating under UEFA’s sustainability guidelines.

Financial framework of the proposed deal

Local media report that Marseille have tabled a two-year contract worth around €7 million per season, including performance-related bonuses for goals, assists and Champions League qualification. Although that figure represents a pay cut from his Saudi salary, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is believed to prioritise top-level competition and the chance to become a marquee figure in a historic French club chasing silverware.

How the striker fits Gasset’s tactical puzzle

Gasset favours a high-pressing 4-2-3-1 in which the lone striker initiates defensive triggers and exploits space behind opposition lines. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, renowned for explosive acceleration and intelligent off-ball movement, would spearhead that shape. His presence would also ease pressure on attacking midfielders Pierre-Ekwah and Azzedine Ounahi, who often found themselves creating without a definitive penalty-box target last term.

Implications for Marseille’s current forwards

The arrival of a seasoned finisher inevitably raises questions about outgoing transfers. Vitinha has admirers in Serie A, while Ndiaye could be loaned for consistent minutes. Conversely, youngsters François-Régis Mughe and Simon Ngapandouetnbu may relish learning from a mentor who scored over 300 career goals.

Why Aubameyang ended his Saudi adventure early

Al-Qadsiah’s promotion ambitions faltered when they finished mid-table, and club officials opted for a squad overhaul that prioritises younger, sell-able profiles. Both parties therefore saw value in a clean break. Sources close to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang add that family considerations and the lure of European nights weighed heavily in his decision.

What Marseille fans can expect

Supporters still remember his brief 2010-11 loan at OM, where raw pace and charismatic celebrations hinted at future superstardom. A decade later, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns as a seasoned leader capable of mentoring OM’s emerging talents while supplying the clinical edge that recent strikers lacked. Expect rapid counter-attacks, flamboyant goal celebrations and valuable experience in the Europa League, where Marseille will aim for a deep run.

Voices from the dressing room

Club captain Samuel Gigot has already welcomed the potential signing, telling La Provence: “A player like Aubameyang raises everyone’s level—training becomes sharper, competition fiercer.” Meanwhile, midfield enforcer Jordan Veretout believes the Gabonese star’s Champions League pedigree can instil the winning mentality the squad craves.

Ligue 1 landscape and competitive edge

Paris Saint-Germain remain dominant, yet Monaco, Nice and Lille have shown that strategic recruitment can close gaps. By snapping up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang without a transfer fee, Marseille allocate resources to strengthen at full-back and defensive midfield, areas that hampered consistency last season. A rejuvenated OM front line featuring the veteran finisher could transform them from Europa hopefuls to genuine domestic challengers.

Timeline: when to expect the official announcement

Negotiations are said to be in the final stretch, with medical examinations pencilled in for early next week. Should all proceed smoothly, Marseille hope to unveil Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang before their preseason tour of Germany, allowing ample time for integration and marketing rollout, including a limited-edition kit featuring the striker’s trademark flip celebration silhouette.

Short opinion

Marseille’s pursuit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is ambitious yet calculated. If his legs still hold the burst that terrified Premier League defences, OM may have secured the bargain of the summer.

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