Report: Aubameyang returns to Olympique Marseille from Saudi Arabia

In a significant development for French football, veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is reportedly set to make a dramatic return to Olympique Marseille after just a single season away. French sports newspaper L'Equipe confirmed on Saturday that the 36-year-old has concluded his brief spell with Saudi club Al-Qadsiah and is on the verge of penning a new deal with OM that will run until 2027. This swift reunion marks an intriguing chapter in the prolific forward's career and signals Marseille's intent to bolster their attacking ranks with a proven goalscorer.

Aubameyang's initial tenure at the Stade Vélodrome was nothing short of spectacular. Arriving in the summer of 2023, he quickly became the focal point of Marseille's attack, enjoying a renaissance that saw him net an impressive 30 goals across all competitions in the 2023-24 season. His performances were particularly crucial in the Europa League, where he finished as the competition's top scorer, guiding OM deep into the knockout stages. His unexpected departure for Al-Qadsiah last summer, despite his stellar form, left many Marseille faithful puzzled, making this rapid comeback all the more surprising and potentially celebratory for the club's passionate fanbase.

His time in Saudi Arabia with Al-Qadsiah was brief, lasting barely a year, suggesting that the allure of European top-flight football and the familiar surroundings of Marseille proved too strong to resist. While details of his performance in the Saudi Pro League are less scrutinized globally, his quick exit implies either a mutual understanding or a personal desire to return to a more competitive environment. For a player of 36, committing to a three-year contract until 2027 demonstrates a remarkable belief in his own enduring quality and fitness, as well as a significant vote of confidence from the Olympique Marseille hierarchy.

The implications of Aubameyang's return for Olympique Marseille are multifaceted. On one hand, they regain a striker who seamlessly integrated into their system and delivered consistent goals, offering invaluable experience and leadership to the squad. His proven ability to perform on big European nights will be crucial as Marseille looks to challenge for domestic honours and potentially secure European qualification once more. On the other hand, signing a player of his age to a long-term deal carries inherent risks regarding longevity, injury susceptibility, and maintaining peak performance over an extended period. However, given his immediate impact last season, the club appears willing to take that calculated gamble in pursuit of immediate success. This move will undoubtedly energize the supporters and send a clear message about Marseille's ambitions heading into the new season.