Despite financial hardship in recent months, La Liga giants Barcelona managed to have a busy January transfer window. However, their most prominent piece of business came after the window closed with the signing of Gabon star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang’s arrival was unveiled on Wednesday on Barca’s official social media. The club revealed that the 32-year-old player arrived on a free transfer and signed a deal until 2025. However, the two sides will have an option to mutually part ways in the summer of 2023.
Aubameyang surprisingly became a free agent earlier in the week after agreeing to an early contract termination with Arsenal. The Premier League powerhouse opted to move on from the veteran striker after being unable to find a taker for his hefty salary that is believed to be in the range of $340K per week.
Once considered Arsenal’s main star, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang found himself on the exit door after clashing with manager Mikel Arteta. Aubameyang reportedly had several disciplinary missteps, after which Arteta decided to fine the player and leave him on the bench several times. This caused the relationship between the two to deteriorate until it became unfixable.
While Arsenal felt they don’t need Aubameyang anymore, Barca will undoubtedly be happy to have him. The club has been dealing with a lack of firepower up front, and Aubameyang, despite all of his flaws, should take care of that problem.
Aubameyang spent five and a half seasons in London, scoring 92 goals in 163 games. He also helped Arsenal win FA Cup in 2019-20.
