FIFA loophole could allow Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Los Angeles FC
After a rocky start to his new life at Chelsea, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is being sought after by Los Angeles FC, and Chelsea are eager to get rid of him.
The Gabonese striker (h/t Football.London) is rumoured to be joining an MLS team considering their transfer window is open from Tuesday, January 31, to Monday, April 24. Which allows him to sign for them despite the Premier League window closing in January.
There are restrictions though, like the fact that a player can only play for two teams in a season while being enrolled for three. Additionally, before joining the Blues, the former Arsenal striker started just one game for Barcelona.
So how does he become a player for LAFC? Well, thanks to a FIFA flaw, Given that the MLS 2023 season is an “overlapping season,” he is free to move and join his new team, should a deal be completed.
Aubameyang can be signed as an under-contract player in another nation, but there is a specific law that must be taken into account. MLS clubs must provide an international transfer certificate (ITC) in order to complete the signing of Aubameyang.
A move may also hit a roadblock due to Aubameyang’s enormous £160,000 per week Chelsea contract and the high salaries involved. Other teams are also keeping an eye on the player; Barcelona and AC Milan have shown interest in signing the striker in the summer.
Nothing is official yet as the American club is pushing for the transfer, and the outcome will depend on the former Borussia Dortmund player’s choice given how his Chelsea career has unfolded.
And because the Blues don’t seem to depend on him anymore, he should join another club if he wants to restart his playing career.
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We are focusing on developing our young players, so if the 33-year-old wants to continue at Chelsea, he will need to battle for that opportunity by showcasing his competence on the pitch. If that doesn’t happen, it’s best for us to sell him and make some money before he becomes a free agent.