Aubameyang’s Chelsea Gamble: Why It Happened

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has publicly called his move to Chelsea a “big mistake.” The striker joined the Blues from Barcelona in the summer of 2022. His time at Stamford Bridge lasted just one season.

The transfer was driven by personal circumstances, not ambition. A traumatic home break-in in Spain forced his hand. Barcelona’s financial need to sell players also contributed to the decision.

The Turbulent Reality at Stamford Bridge

Aubameyang’s Chelsea career started poorly. Manager Thomas Tuchel was sacked just one week after his arrival. This left the player without his main advocate at the club.

He struggled to find form and fit. Aubameyang scored only three goals in 21 appearances. The team’s overall instability made it impossible for him to settle.

His relationship with successor Graham Potter was reportedly difficult. According to The Athletic, he was often sidelined. This led to a rapid loss of confidence and playing time.

Finding Redemption After Chelsea Exit

Aubameyang left Chelsea for Olympique de Marseille in 2023. He immediately rediscovered his scoring touch. The striker netted 30 goals in his first 51 appearances for the French club.

This resurgence proved his quality was still intact. The move gave him the stability he desperately needed. It highlighted how the wrong environment can impact even elite players.

His form in France contrasted sharply with his Premier League struggles. It showed that the Chelsea issues were situational, not a decline in ability. The player is now performing consistently again.

Lessons from a High-Profile Transfer Failure

Aubameyang’s story reveals the human side of football transfers. Players make decisions based on family and security, not just sport. These personal factors can significantly impact career trajectories.

Managerial stability is crucial for player success. Constant changes at Chelsea created a difficult environment. This lack of continuity hurt many players, not just Aubameyang.

The experience serves as a cautionary tale for future transfers. Both clubs and players must carefully consider fit beyond just talent. The wrong move can have lasting consequences for a career.

Aubameyang’s Chelsea chapter serves as a stark reminder that even the most talented players are not immune to poor fits. His candid reflection provides valuable insight into the complex realities behind modern football transfers.

Thought you’d like to know

Why did Aubameyang join Chelsea?

He joined primarily for family reasons after a home invasion in Barcelona. The Spanish club also needed to sell players for financial reasons, limiting his options at the time.

How many goals did he score for Chelsea?

Aubameyang scored just three goals during his single season with Chelsea. He made 21 appearances across all competitions for the London club.

What happened after he left Chelsea?

He moved to Marseille and immediately regained his scoring form. The striker netted 30 goals in 51 appearances, proving his quality remained intact.

Who was manager when he joined?

Thomas Tuchel was Chelsea’s manager when Aubameyang arrived. Tuchel was sacked just one week after the transfer was completed.

Would he have succeeded under Tuchel?

Many analysts believe he would have performed better with Tuchel’s continued guidance. The manager had specifically requested his signing before being dismissed.

What does this say about Chelsea’s management?

It highlights the club’s instability during that period. Frequent managerial changes created a challenging environment for new signings to adapt and succeed.

Trusted Sources

The Athletic, BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Reuters