Forgotten Former Arsenal Talisman Ditches Saudi Riches For Sensational Marseille Return

. (Photo Credit: Marseille/X)

Forgotten Former Arsenal Talisman Ditches Saudi Riches For Sensational Marseille Return

Mark Kinyanjui 17:33 - 19.07.2025

The former Arsenal captain is making a return to Marseille - who will be playing in the Champions League this season - exactly a year after departing the club.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is back in Ligue 1 after rejecting lucrative Saudi Arabian offers to rejoin Marseille on a free transfer.

Once one of Europe’s most feared strikers, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has shocked many by turning down Middle Eastern riches to return to a club where he rediscovered his spark.

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

 The 36-year-old former Arsenal and Barcelona forward will re-sign with Olympique Marseille on a two-year contract running until June 2027, according to reports from French media and confirmed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Aubameyang’s return marks a significant coup for Marseille, who have secured a seasoned striker still brimming with goal-scoring form.

During the 2023/24 season, the Gabonese international netted 30 goals in 51 appearances for Marseille, earning praise for his leadership and work rate in a side that reached the Europa League semifinals.

Despite that form, Aubameyang opted for a new adventure last summer, joining Saudi Pro League newcomers Al-Qadisiyah. 

His time in Saudi Arabia was far from a flop. He racked up 21 goals and 3 assists in 36 appearances, helping the team secure an impressive fourth-place league finish and a King Cup final appearance, where they narrowly lost to Al-Ittihad.

Yet just a year into his contract, Aubameyang and Al-Qadisiyah have parted ways. The striker reportedly had multiple offers from other clubs in the Gulf region, but the lure of Champions League football and a deep connection with the Marseille fanbase proved stronger.

“He had bigger offers on the table, especially from the Saudi Pro League,” Romano noted. “But Aubameyang wanted to return to OM. He feels he has unfinished business in Europe.”

This decision is reminiscent of his time at Arsenal, where he captained the Gunners to FA Cup glory before a sharp fallout with management led to his departure.

 After brief spells at Barcelona and Chelsea, his stint at Marseille in 2023 helped him re-establish his credentials as a top-tier forward.

Now back at the Stade Vélodrome, Aubameyang is expected to lead the line for a rejuvenated Marseille side under new manager Roberto De Zerbi, who reportedly pushed hard for the return of the veteran striker.

As Marseille prepare for a demanding season that includes Champions League football, Aubameyang’s experience, eye for goal, and leadership could prove invaluable.