Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has seen his Chelsea exit plot hit a significant stumbling block with LaLiga rules stopping him from returning to Barcelona.
The former Arsenal forward only joined the Blues in the summer but has proven to be a disastrous signing. He has netted just three goals in all competitions since returning to the Premier League.
His frustrating spell at Stamford Bridge has very quickly become a nightmare after suffering the ignominy of being substituted off the pitch despite having only been introduced as a sub himself in the recent defeat to Manchester City. Reports have suggested that he could soon be set for a quickfire exit.
Atletico Madrid have been linked with a swoop as they aim to find a replacement for Joao Felix - the Portuguese ironically having joined Chelsea. Meanwhile, former club Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in taking him back to the Camp Nou.
That is a move that the Gabonese is apparently desperate to make but it appears impossible at this stage. The Catalans have approached LaLiga to see if it would be possible to re-sign Aubameyang but have been told that a swoop cannot happen, according to reports in Spain from Cadena SER.
Players are not able to be de-registered and registered for a club in the same domestic season which would mean Aubameyang would not be able to make his second debut for the Spanish side until the start of next term. That would leave Aubameyang with only one further option and that would be to sign for a club whose domestic calendar is different to that of the major leagues in Europe such as MLS.
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It remains to be seen whether Aubameyang would be interested in a move to the US or if he continues as a Chelsea player. He is no doubt disappointed to miss out on a return to Barcelona having waxed lyrical about the Catalan giants when initially signing for the club.
Speaking at the time, he said: “I've always dreamed of playing in La Liga. This is an amazing opportunity for me, it's a dream since I was a kid and it's an opportunity in my life. Barca is one of the best clubs in the world and I'm very happy to be here."
Meanwhile, boss Xavi also admitted that he was disappointed to lose Aubameyang’s services after the striker left the club for Chelsea. "I feel bad because he helped us a lot,” the Spaniard said
"He was an example on and off the pitch. He made a big difference – look at his numbers. As a person, he’s a jewel and always training with a smile on his face.
"It’s a shame because you want to have these type of players in your squad but it was a good opportunity for him and for the club as well. We needed to put the pieces of the puzzle together and in the end, I think we’re all happy.
"But I feel bad as a coach to lose a player like Aubameyang. He was an example for the club and for all players."
