Chelsea’s 33 year old striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang might return back to Barca with rumours stating his Chelsea stint might come to an abrupt end. The Gabon international seems to have fallen apart from Chelsea’s scheme of things. Graham Potter has made a move to have the services of Joao Felix to help the struggling Chelsea side. This has opened up the possibilities of Auba to return back to Spain.
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Auba return to PL with Chelsea
Aubameyang moved back to PL with a last minute deadline day transfer. The move saw former Arsenal captain move to their city rivals Chelsea for a fee of €12 million with Marcos Alonso going the other way to Barcelona. Auba scored 11 goals in his 18 appearances for Barca during his six month stint. He signed a two year contract with Chelsea with a third optional year if the club wanted to trigger. Auba was excited to reunite with Thomas Tuchel as the signing was requested by his former boss at Dortmund.
Fate was cruel to Auba as he managed to play only for a few minutes under Tuchel. Graham Potter replaced the German and Auba has failed to prosper for the Londoners. In his 15 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions he has netted only 3 goals. Auba being brought on as a substitute and taken off at second half in a cup fixture against City has confirmed that things are not fine at Stamford Bridge. Felix’s move to London can trigger Auba’s exit and Spain seems to be his potential destination.
Complications in Auba’s comeback to Barca
Aubameyang had played for Barcelona at the start of the season against Rayo and later moved to Chelsea and played for the London club. As per FIFA rules, he has officially played for a maximum limit of two clubs for this season. This leaves Auba in a situation where he can play only for Barcelona this season if he leaves Chelsea. Barcelona are not against Auba’s return but there are certain factors that will decide the feasibilty. Rumours are doing rounds that Atletico have checked for Depay loan deal. Barcelona will make a move for Aubameyang if Depay’s wage is cleared and the Gabon star returns for a free transfer. The salary terms also requires to be in Barcelona’s favour for the deal to proceed.
Other option for Aubameyang will be to stay at Chelsea for this season and move to a new club next season. If he makes a move to a third club, it will rule him out from playing for the rest of the season. Only time will tell if Auba will get his desired return to Barca.