FC Barcelona officially announces this Wednesday, February 2, 2022 the arrival of 32-year-old Franco-Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Despite a difficult financial situation, the Catalan club paid no less than 100 million euros to pay the player’s release clause whose contract at Arsenal would run until 2023. Barça however clarifies that PEA “will benefit from a departure option on June 30, 2023“. Sportingly, this contract is a good deal for both parties. Explanations.
Orphan of their Argentinian star Lionel Messi since the summer of 2021, FC Barcelona was actively looking for a top striker this winter. He tried to recruit Alvaro Morata, the Spaniard from Juventus in Turin, but without success. The team coached by Xavi has been trying to regain its luster for over a year. This season it was eliminated from the Champions League in the group stage and is not really sure of playing the next edition. Barcelona sadly sit in fifth place in La Liga currently. This competition, PEA has never played it with Arsenal. His last match in this prestigious European Cup dates back to December 6, 2017 with Borussia Dortmund. A 3-2 defeat at Real Madrid. The Mayenne had scored both goals for the German club.
Holder from Sunday?
With Ousmane Dembélé, Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati and Memphis Depay, the offensive sector of Barça is largely provided on the sides and can count with the former AS L’Huisserie Football on a solid N°9. On paper Aubameyang, able to help out on the wings, therefore has the ideal profile to reboost Barcelona. At Arsenal, the Mayenne lost his captain’s armband in December. The reason: behavioral problems according to the English club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be presented to the press and supporters at the end of the week. He could play his first minutes in the legendary Nou Camp stadium this Sunday, February 6 against Atlético Madrid. A match which, given the situation of the Blaugrana, already appears to be crucial in the race for the Champions League.