Gabon Star Begins a New Chapter in Spain
One of African football’s most decorated strikers is heading back to Spain.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to join Deportivo La Coruña after a full agreement was reached between the newly promoted La Liga club and Olympique Marseille. Marseille will receive a reported €1.5 million transfer package, while the Gabon international is expected to sign a short-term contract as he prepares for another challenge in one of Europe’s biggest leagues. The move has been widely confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and multiple reports, marking one of the most surprising deals of the summer transfer window.
For Deportivo, the signing represents far more than adding an experienced striker—it is a statement of ambition as the club returns to Spain’s top flight.
A Surprise Transfer That Has Everyone Talking
Few expected Aubameyang to swap Marseille for Deportivo La Coruña.
Despite attracting interest from elsewhere, the 37-year-old has opted to continue competing in a major European league, bringing invaluable experience to a Deportivo side eager to establish itself after earning promotion back to La Liga. Reports indicate the deal is worth around €1.5 million, with only the final formalities remaining before completion.
For Deportivo supporters, the arrival of a player with Aubameyang’s pedigree sends a clear message that the club intends to compete rather than simply survive.
From AC Milan Prospect to Global Superstar
Aubameyang’s professional journey has been one of football’s most fascinating.
Although he began his career at AC Milan, he never made a senior appearance for the Italian giants. Instead, loan spells in France helped shape his development before he established himself at Saint-Étienne, where he lifted the Coupe de la Ligue.
His breakthrough on the European stage came after joining Borussia Dortmund in 2013.
In Germany, Aubameyang evolved into one of Europe’s deadliest forwards.
His achievements included:
- Bundesliga Golden Boot (2016/17)
- DFB-Pokal winner
- More than 140 goals for Borussia Dortmund
- One of Dortmund’s highest-scoring players in club history
His blistering pace, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing made him one of world football’s most feared strikers.
Arsenal Captain and FA Cup Hero
In January 2018, Arsenal signed Aubameyang in what was then a club-record transfer.
The Gabonese striker immediately justified the investment.
During his time in North London, he:
- Won the 2018/19 Premier League Golden Boot
- Captained Arsenal
- Led the club to the 2020 FA Cup
- Scored crucial goals in domestic and European competitions
His brace in the FA Cup final against Chelsea remains one of the defining moments of his Arsenal career.
Barcelona Revival and Chelsea Spell
Following his departure from Arsenal, Aubameyang enjoyed a productive spell with Barcelona, helping the Catalan club during a difficult rebuilding period.
He later joined Chelsea, although opportunities became limited as managerial changes affected his role within the squad.
Despite mixed fortunes in London, his reputation as an elite goalscorer remained intact.
Aubameyang’s Time at Olympique Marseille
Marseille became the perfect stage for Aubameyang to remind Europe of his quality.
Across two spells with the French giants, he consistently demonstrated his experience, movement, and eye for goal.
During his first season at the Stade Vélodrome, Aubameyang quickly became one of Marseille’s most reliable attacking players, scoring regularly in Ligue 1 and European competition before departing for Saudi Arabia.
After a season with Al-Qadsiah, he returned to Marseille in 2025, bringing leadership and valuable experience to Roberto De Zerbi’s squad. While his second spell included some ups and downs, including reduced playing time late in the campaign, he still contributed important goals and remained a respected figure in the dressing room.
Ultimately, both player and club have now decided that the time is right for a fresh challenge.
A Legendary Career for Club and Country
Very few African footballers can match Aubameyang’s résumé.
His career includes successful spells in:
- Saint-Étienne
- Borussia Dortmund
- Arsenal
- Barcelona
- Chelsea
- Olympique Marseille
- Al-Qadsiah
- Gabon National Team
Internationally, Aubameyang has represented Gabon with distinction, becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer and serving as captain for many years. His pace, professionalism, and consistency have made him one of Africa’s finest football exports of the modern era.
Why Deportivo Wanted Aubameyang
Deportivo’s return to La Liga demands proven quality.
While Aubameyang may be in the latter stages of his career, he offers qualities that statistics alone cannot measure:
- Elite experience in Europe’s biggest competitions
- Leadership inside the dressing room
- Clinical finishing
- Intelligent movement
- Winning mentality
His presence should also help younger players adapt to the demands of top-flight football.
For a newly promoted club, few signings could provide greater inspiration.
Can Aubameyang Shine in La Liga Again?
Spanish football is familiar territory for Aubameyang following his successful spell at Barcelona.
His understanding of the league, combined with Deportivo’s desire to play attacking football, could make this partnership an excellent fit.
Although he may no longer possess the explosive speed that defined his Dortmund years, his movement inside the penalty area and finishing ability remain among his greatest strengths.
If managed carefully, Aubameyang could prove to be one of the bargain signings of the season.
A Career Defined by Goals and Determination
From France to Germany, England, Spain, Saudi Arabia, and back to Europe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has built one of African football’s most remarkable careers.
His move to Deportivo La Coruña may surprise many, but it also offers another opportunity for one of the continent’s greatest strikers to leave his mark.
For Deportivo supporters, the arrival of a player with Aubameyang’s experience is reason for excitement.
For football fans, it is another fascinating chapter in the journey of a striker who has consistently delivered goals wherever he has played.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| New Club | Deportivo La Coruña |
| Previous Club | Olympique Marseille |
| Transfer Fee | €1.5 million |
| Position | Striker |
| Nationality | Gabon |
| Professional Clubs | AC Milan, Dijon, Lille, Monaco, Saint-Étienne, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea, Marseille, Al-Qadsiah, Deportivo (pending) |
Transfer Rating: 8.5/10
For Deportivo La Coruña, this is an excellent signing. While Aubameyang is no longer at the peak of his career, his wealth of experience, proven goalscoring record, and leadership could prove invaluable as the club aims to establish itself in La Liga. If he stays fit, he has every chance to become one of the club’s most influential players this season.
