Barcelona coach has quelled the rumours linking Barcelona to a reunion with Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Gabonese forward is unhappy with his situation at Stamford Bridge, fueling rumours of a likely return to the Nou Camp.
Barcelona are in a good place despite their relegation to the Europa League. They have a date with Manchester United in the lower tier competition but are top of La Liga Santander – three points above defending champions Real Madrid. Perhaps it is time to give Xavi his accolades for the way he has managed the team.
Financially, La Blaugrana is not out of the woods, but the club is working assiduously to put Barca on sound footing. Part of the work they need to do is to lower the wage bill of the squad, and on that score, Joan Laporta is doing a marvellous job. He has offloaded a few players, but more need to go.
Last summer, they sold Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea as they looked to raise money and reduce the wage bill. As the club continues pushing to win La Liga, rumours have surfaced over the likely return of the Gabonese striker. However, Xavi has poured cold water on the speculations despite his love for the striker.
Xavi plays down the likely return of Aubameyang to the Nou Camp
Things have not gone to script for Aubameyang at Stamford Bridge, and the Gabon striker is keen to call it quits with the Premier League side. The former Arsenal and Barcelona forward has found game time a luxury and is looking for solutions to his predicament. One of the solutions includes leaving the club this January, with Barca a likely option.
With the financial situation of the Spanish side, it is unlikely that Barca would want to spend money on another striker. Xavi was quick to pour cold water on the rumours making the round. Xavi was reluctant to sell Aubameyang after he contributed immensely to Barcelona qualifying for the Champions League.
The sale of Aubameyang to Chelsea reunited him with his former boss at Borussia Dortmund, Thomas Tuchel, with the honeymoon not lasting long as the German tactician was sent packing following a string of poor results
No Space for Aubameyang
The chances of Barcelona re-signing Aubameyang are remote as the club is cash-strapped and would need to raise funds to bring him back. Aubameyang has suffered a slump in form under Potter, which has seen him drop down the pecking order at Chelsea. The Gabon forward hopes he can work out a deal that allows him to leave the club.
According to AS, Aubameyang has been in touch with Xavi and is ready to return to Barcelona. The former Arsenal striker does not mind playing second fiddle to Robert Lewandowski.
Gerard Romero claims the club is interested in re-signing Aubameyang, but they would need to free up space in the squad for the transfer to see the light of day.
Memphis Depay is unhappy at Barcelona, as he has also enjoyed limited game time at the club. Atletico Madrid is keen to sign the Dutch forward, with Manchester United also interested.
Franck Kessie is another player that could leave the Nou Camp this month. He seems not to fall into the plans of Xavi and has made only two La Liga starts this term.
Barcelona is currently in Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, with a game against Real Betis on Thursday.
