Deportivo La Coruna have pulled off one of the most eye-catching moves of the summer by signing 39-year-old Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on a two-year deal as they return to La Liga after an eight-year absence.
The former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea forward joins the Galician club after a resurgent season at Olympique de Marseille, where his performances convinced Deportivo to make him a central figure in their bid for top-flight survival in the 2026-27 campaign.
The club, promoted back to Spain’s top division for the first time since relegation in 2018, are engaged in an ambitious transfer window as they attempt to re-establish themselves among the country’s elite.
Veteran forward arrives after standout Marseille season
Aubameyang arrives in Galicia on the back of an impressive campaign in France with Marseille, where he showed he remains a potent attacking force despite his age.
Last season in Ligue 1, he played 30 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing six assists. He also added to his tally in the Coupe de France and delivered on the European stage, scoring three times and setting up four goals in eight Champions League appearances.
Those statistics underlined his enduring sharpness in front of goal and his value as both a finisher and creator, attributes Deportivo hope will translate into crucial points in their first season back in La Liga.
Deportivo target stability on La Liga return
The move is part of what has been described in Spain as a “mercato de dingue” – a frantic and highly ambitious transfer market – from Deportivo’s hierarchy, who are determined to avoid an immediate return to the second tier.
The club’s promotion ends a long and difficult period outside the top flight for a side that once competed regularly in European competitions and famously won the La Liga title in 1999-2000.
By bringing in a player of Aubameyang’s profile and experience, Deportivo are signalling their intent not merely to survive, but to quickly regain credibility and competitiveness in the Spanish top flight.
Star attraction at Riazor
Deportivo highlighted their new signing on social media by sharing footage of Aubameyang at the Estadio Abanca-Riazor – referred to in the club’s post as “Vero Boquete” in a nod to the nearby facility named after Spain international Vero Boquete – calling him an “Espectador de luxo no Vero Boquete” alongside a sunglasses emoji.
Espectador de luxo no Vero Boquete 😎pic.twitter.com/NSp33zKO4a
RC Deportivo (@RCDeportivo)July 18, 2026
The tweet underscored the excitement around the move, with Aubameyang immediately becoming one of the most high-profile players to wear the Deportivo shirt in recent years.
Experience and profile
Aubameyang’s arrival brings considerable experience to a squad that will face some of the strongest sides in Europe next season, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
The Gabon international has scored goals in Germany’s Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, England’s Premier League with Arsenal and Spain’s La Liga with Barcelona. His time at Marseille has now added a successful Ligue 1 spell to an already diverse career across Europe’s top leagues.
For Deportivo, his track record in major competitions and his recent Champions League impact are seen as vital assets as they prepare for the challenge of consolidating their La Liga status after eight years away.
