Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Barcelona after being released from his contract with Arsenal.
Aubameyang, who earlier in January returned to the Gunners early from the Africa Cup of Nations due to some concerns over "heart lesions", has not played since December 6.
The 32-year-old was stripped of Arsenal's captaincy for a disciplinary breach and had not featured in Mikel Arteta's squad since.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed he had terminated his deal with Arsenal by mutual consent, and he has now signed for Barca.
Aubameyang has agreed a contract running until June 30, 2025 with an option to agree to cut ties earlier, on June 30, 2023. It includes a buy-out clause of €100million.
Aubameyang joined Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund in 2018 and became an instant hit in the Premier League, netting 54 top-flight goals across his first two and a half seasons at Emirates Stadium.
However, since signing a long-term contract ahead of the 2020-21 campaign, Aubameyang's form has dropped off significantly, and he only managed 14 goals in all competitions last term.
He has seven to his name this season, but it seems there was no way back under Arteta, and Aubameyang has now joined LaLiga giants Barca.
The deal runs until the end of the season with the option for a further year, with Aubameyang becoming the third signing of the January transfer window for Xavi's side.
All three of those players have come from the Premier League, with Barca buying Ferran Torres from Manchester City for a reported €55million (£46.7m) plus add-ons, while Adama Traore – a graduate of La Masia – joined on loan from Wolves.
Barca are still struggling financially, as the club attempts to bounce back from previous years of mismanagement.
Philippe Coutinho joined Aston Villa on loan this month, while Ousmane Dembele looked set to be moved on only for no exit to be secured before the deadline.
Barca had been hoping to ship the France winger out, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly agreeing terms with Dembele over the weekend, but no move materalised.
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes: ‘A win would change everything’ - Godoy
Anibal Godoy insists that Nashville are already looking at their game against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as a must-win.
Nashville have won just once in the MLS this season and sit in 14th place in the Eastern Conference after a run of four without a win.
The Earthquakes, meanwhile, are bottom of the Western Conference having lost eight of their matches and recording just one win.
Godoy is aware of how their poor start to the season could affect their playoff hopes later down the line but is confident that Nashville can turn things around.
He said: “For us, it's an important week. It's a day we have to win, or we'll start to feel the pressure from other teams as they start to separate in the table.
“This league is long but if we want to get to the playoff you have to win games early on, especially at home.”
Liverpool agree compensation deal for Slot
Liverpool and Feyenoord have reached an agreement in principle over a compensation deal for Arne Slot to become the Reds’ manager next season, according to widespread Dutch media reports.
The Dutchman is reportedly poised to take over from Jurgen Klopp, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Slot led Feyenoord to their second Eredivisie title last season after taking over the club in 2021.
It is believed that he topped the list of Liverpool’s favoured candidates due to his attacking playing style and ability to develop players.
Former Liverpool midfielder, Xabi Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title, and Sporting CP’s Ruben Amorim were also reported contenders to take over from Klopp.
Slot had already confirmed his interest in managing in the Premier League, both earlier this week and previously when he was linked to Tottenham in 2023.
QPR 4-0 Leeds United: Shock loss for Farke's men seals Leicester's promotion
QPR thrashed Leeds United 4-0 in the Championship on Friday, ensuring Leicester City booked their promotion straight back to the Premier League.
Ilias Chair was the star for the Hoops as he scored the opener and assisted two more goals to ensure QPR will stay in the Championship for another season.
Lucas Andersen, Lyndon Dykes and Sam Field also got their names on the scoresheet in an emphatic win for Marti Cifuentes' side.
Leeds' heaviest defeat of the season was a huge blow in the race for an automatic promotion spot, with Ipswich Town just one point behind them in third place with two games in hand going into their away clash against Hull City on Saturday.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
