Barcelona place huge buyout clause in Aubameyang deal as striker explains move
Barcelona have placed a number of interesting clauses into Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract as the striker was presented before the media and his signing officially confirmed.
Aubameyang, 32, moves to the LaLiga giants on a free transfer, having exited Arsenal by “mutual agreement”. Indeed, as per The Times, the north London club paid him almost £7m to terminate his £350,000-a-week contract.
Aubameyang only signed a new three-year contract with Arsenal in September 2020. In fact Arteta was a key man in persuading the forward to stay, but after falling foul of the Spaniard on numerous occasions since, he was ostracised by the club.
After being stripped of the captaincy his departure was inevitable. He is though believed to have taken a pay cut to join the Catalan club, who have formally unveiled him on Wednesday.
Mystery though surrounds the actual package Aubameyang has agreed at the Nou Camp.
However, what is clear is that Aubameyang is contracted to Barcelona until summer 2025 – a three-and-a-half-year deal that seemingly settles his future for the long term.
That said, the Daily Star reports that Barcelona have placed into his deal an early termination clause. That grants Barca the option to release him on June 30, 2023 should the move not work out.
But in typical Barcelona tradition, they have also included a gigantic release clause should he prove a success. As per reports, that is set at a giant £83.45million (€100m).
The striker though was only focusing on becoming a success at Barca after his official unveiling on Wednesday.
Xavi cited as an influence
“I’m very proud because my family is Spanish as well from my mother’s side so I’m just really proud and happy to be here,” Aubameyang said in his first interview since arriving.
“My main goal is to help the team and give everything I can to bring the team back in the Champions League. Stuff like that! I’m happy to be here and I will try to give everything.
“It’s amazing to have him (Xavi) as a coach. He was a fantastic player, everyone knows. I’m sure as a coach he will bring us something will we all learn, definitely.
“Everyone is welcoming me very well, it’s been very good.”
Aubameyang in goodbye message to Arsenal
Aubameyang had earlier written a farewell to Arsenal supporters on social media, saying his departure without a proper goodbye hurts.
“To the Arsenal fans, thank you for making London home for myself and my family for the past four years,” the forward wrote on Instagram.
“We went through ups and downs together and your support meant everything to me. Having the chance to win trophies and the honour of being the captain of this club is something I will forever keep in my heart.
“I have always been 100% focused on doing everything I can for this club. This is why leaving without a real goodbye hurts – but that is football.
“I’m sad I did not get the chance to help my team-mates in the last few weeks. But I have nothing but respect for this club. I truly wish all my guys and the fans all the best and many successful years in the future!
“Love, Auba.”
Barcelona next play against Atletico Madrid on Sunday in La Liga, with Aubameyang in line to make his debut.
READ MORE: Horror show for Aubameyang as new boy faces undignified Xavi axe
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