Report from KSAsportz
ALKHOBAR — In a decision that has sparked discussions among supporters, Al Qadsiah has officially released star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, even with a year left on his contract.
The 35-year-old bid farewell to his teammates during the club’s preseason training in the Netherlands, concluding a campaign in which he significantly contributed with 21 goals and three assists in 36 games across all competitions.
His overall performance included 24 direct goal contributions and 715 successful passes, reinforcing his position as one of the standout attackers in the Roshn Saudi League.
Aubameyang was unavailable for the season opener against Al Fateh due to a FIFA suspension from a previous engagement but quickly made an impact—scoring his first league goal from the penalty spot in a game-winning display against Al Ahli on Matchday 5.
He continued to score against nearly every top-tier opponent, solidifying his status as a high-caliber forward with experience spanning the leading European leagues.
Regardless of his contributions, head coach Michel González decided to pursue a new direction this summer, pointing to fitness considerations and a strategic emphasis on youth.
Sources reveal the club’s choice was guided by both technical and medical assessments, with Aubameyang’s departure ultimately reached through mutual agreement.
The former Arsenal and Barcelona striker expressed surprise at the decision and took to social media to assert his physical condition, comparing his running metrics favorably with other veterans in the league, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. “I’m 36, not 63,” he stated in a post, sharing a sprint chart that highlighted his elite physical capabilities.
To fill his shoes, Al Qadsiah has signed young Italian striker Mateo Retegui, marking a generational shift as the club embarks on a new chapter.
This move aligns with González’s objective of creating a younger, faster team capable of continuing the momentum after reaching the King’s Cup final and securing fourth place in the league last season.