Aubameyang joins Deportivo for €1.5m, signs until 2028

Deportivo has pulled off its second major transfer surprise of the summer, securing the signing of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Laval, France, 1989), one of the most outstanding African strikers of this century. The move follows the club's earlier acquisition of Leo Román—a player called up as a reserve by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente for the World Cup—by paying his release clause.

The 37-year-old Gabonese striker arrives to bring experience and goals to a fledgling blue-and-white project. Until his signing, Deportivo had recruited players aged 26 and under: Gijselhart, Román himself, Ede, Amatucci, and Jensen. Aubameyang becomes the third player over 30 with a permanent spot in the Abegondo locker room, joining Germán Parreño and Ximo Navarro.

Contract and Transfer Details

Deportivo has made the signing official until June 30, 2028, despite Aubameyang's veteran status. The length of the contract offers the player stability and allows the club to better amortize the transfer fee and meet the salary demands of a star from European football.

Olympique de Marseille, who were open to Aubameyang's departure to free up their wage bill, agreed to his exit for a payment of €1.5 million. According to sources consulted, Deportivo had been pursuing this operation for over a month and had to satisfy the curiosity and concerns of Aubameyang, who wanted full personal and sporting information before embarking on his second adventure in Spain—following the months he played for Barcelona after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Timeline of the Deal

The operation accelerated at the beginning of this week when Aubameyang arrived in A Coruña, and all parties involved (the player and both clubs) began to advance the agreement. It was finally closed between Thursday night and Friday morning, while the player was undergoing his medical examination in Madrid. He arrived at Alvedro this morning with everything signed and agreed, and has already donned the blue-and-white jersey. Next week, Aubameyang will join the work dynamic of the team led by Antonio Hidalgo, forming part of a forward line he will share with Bil Nsongo and Zakaria Eddahchouri.

Career Journey and Recognition

In 2007, AC Milan brought in a promising French striker with Gabonese and Spanish roots (he was named ambassador of Ávila in 2022) for their youth academy—Pierre-Emerick Emiliano François Aubameyang. Two decades later, at 37, that striker signs for Deportivo to put the finishing touch on his career at the highest level.

Nearly 400 goals in 800 matches in youth and senior football for a striker who has played in Spain, Germany, France, Italy, and England. Aubameyang has passed through the best teams in all five of those countries.

In 2016, he received the African Golden Ball, recognizing him as the continent's best player.

A Striker with a Distinctive Profile

Aubameyang's back bears an imposing tattoo depicting the silhouette of the African continent, crowned by an eagle—a symbol of the freedom he seeks and what he considers his home, "his inspiration." The striker decided long ago to play for his father's country, Gabon, even though he could have had a place with France.

Not long ago, he scored four goals against Gambia and dreamed of taking his national team to the 2026 World Cup, but the team fell short. That interrupted campaign ended badly when the council of ministers suspended the coaching staff, temporarily dissolved the national team, and sidelined a couple of players, including Aubameyang.

Months later, he had an incident with a fire extinguisher in the Olympique locker room, according to L'Equipe, though some considered it a joke. He ended up not playing a match.

Notable Moments

Despite the passing years, Aubameyang has not lost his goal-scoring touch or his ability to be media-savvy—even to suffer unexpected setbacks, such as the malaria he contracted in 2021, which gave him a good scare and caused him to lose up to "four kilos." This occurred during his final months as an Arsenal player, a period in which he was key and became one of the best strikers in the Premier League.

Before his stint in London—where the Gunners paid €63 million for him—he shone at Borussia Dortmund, where, in addition to his goal-scoring voracity, he became famous for his celebrations: dances, dedications to Batman and Spider-Man, and somersaults. Bil Nsongo will now have a partner for his juggling after Aubameyang's arrival.