Aubameyang 'excited' after $10 million transfer to Al Qadsiah
The Gabonese forward departed Marseille after scoring 30 goals in 51 games.
KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia — Gabon winger Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang told Saudi Arabia reporters he was ‘happy’ and ‘excited’ to play with Al Qadsiah. Al Qadisah recently finalized a $10 million contract to bring Aubameyang to Saudi Arabia, the club’s second-most expensive transfer in history.
“I’m happy to be here, very excited too,” he told Al-Qadsiah in an interview. “I’m looking forward to meeting the staff, the team, the players, and this beautiful country too. I think we can do even better than last year and continue the progress already seen.”
Aubameyang played in a whopping 51 games for Marseille, scoring 30 goals and adding 11 assists. He finished fourth in Ligue 1’s Golden Boot race with 17 league goals, behind Alexandre Lacazette, Jonathan David, and Kylian Mbappé.
The 35-year-old’s contract with OM was due to expire in two seasons. With Marseille signing controversial winger Mason Greenwood and reportedly bidding for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah and Inter attacking midfielder Valentín Carboni, they could afford to let Aubameyang go.
Aubameyang joins an Al Qadsiah side that earned promotion to Saudi Arabia’s first division last season. The side recently completed a $15 million deal for Club América striker Julián Quiñones and signed Nacho Fernandez, Wolfsburg keeper Koen Casteels, and Uruguay national team regular Nahitan Nández. Aubameyang figures to be the crown jewel of Al Qadsiah’s attack — they’ll need the former Premier League striker’s production to avoid an immediate drop back to the Saudi First Division League.
"It’s been an emotional year and I’d like to thank the whole club, the staff, my team-mates and our supporters. You’ve made me stronger and these memories with you will stay with me forever,” Aubameyang wrote on Instagram, addressing Marseille’s loyal fans.
"As you know, I’ve always followed my father’s advice, which has helped me to become the player I am, so we’ve made this decision for the rest of my career. It’s time for me to start a new chapter."