Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has departed Olympique de Marseille to sign with Saudi club Al Qadisiyah, despite having a contract with the French side until 2026.
This unexpected transfer marks the end of a remarkable season for Aubameyang at Marseille, where he quickly became a fan favorite.
Arriving from Arsenal last summer, the 35-year-old forward delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 30 goals and providing 11 assists in 51 matches across all competitions.
Aubameyang’s decision to leave has left Marseille supporters in shock. His prolific scoring and dynamic play were crucial to the team’s success over the past season.
His departure creates a significant gap in Marseille’s attacking lineup, posing a challenge for the club as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The decision to move to Al Qadisiyah, a club in the Saudi Professional League, was influenced by Aubameyang’s father, according to the player.
“It was a tough decision, but after discussing it with my family, especially my father, I felt it was the right time for a new challenge,” Aubameyang stated.
Al Qadisiyah is reportedly offering a lucrative contract to Aubameyang, reflecting the increasing trend of high-profile players moving to the Saudi league.
This transfer is seen as part of a broader strategy by Saudi clubs to attract top talent from Europe and raise the profile of their domestic league.
Marseille now faces the difficult task of finding a replacement for Aubameyang. His exceptional record last season played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive strategy.
The club will need to act swiftly in the transfer market to secure a forward capable of matching Aubameyang’s contributions.
Marseille’s management has expressed gratitude for Aubameyang’s contributions during his tenure.
“Pierre-Emerick has been an incredible asset to our team, and we are grateful for his dedication and achievements.
We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” a club spokesperson said.
Aubameyang’s move to Saudi Arabia is the latest chapter in an illustrious career.
The striker has enjoyed success at top clubs in Europe, including Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal, before his stint at Marseille.
His ability to adapt to new environments and maintain high performance levels has been a hallmark of his career.
For Al Qadisiyah, signing Aubameyang is a significant coup. The club will benefit from his experience and goal-scoring prowess as they aim to improve their standing in the Saudi Professional League.
Aubameyang’s presence is expected to draw more attention to the league and inspire younger players.
As Aubameyang embarks on this new journey, the football world will watch closely to see how he adapts to the Saudi league and whether he can replicate his success from European competitions.
His departure marks the end of an era for Marseille but opens new opportunities for both the player and his new club, Al Qadisiyah.
In summary, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s transfer to Al Qadisiyah is a bold move that underscores his willingness to embrace new challenges and continue his illustrious career on a global stage.
