Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can’t play for any team except Chelsea in the second half of the season, leaving him stuck with the London club.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on October 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea during the UEFA Champions League group E match between Chelsea FC and AC Milan at Stamford Bridge on October 05, 2022. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Over the last couple of days, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been linked with a move back to La Liga to play for either Atletico Madrid or Barcelona. However, that’s not going to happen in January.

At the start of the season, Aubameyang played one match for Barcelona before joining Chelsea, coming on as a substitute against Rayo Vallecano.

As a result, given that FIFA rules prohibit players from playing for three clubs in a single season, Aubameyang can only play for Barcelona or Chelsea during the current campaign.

To make matters worse, Colin Millar reports that the Spanish FA have confirmed that their rules prevent players from being de-registered and registered again in the same season.

That means Aubameyang is also unable to return to play for Barcelona before the summer.

In summary, it’s impossible for the striker to play for any club except Chelsea until July. He’s trapped at the club for at least the next few months.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Graham Potter embraces Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea as they are substituted off during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 06, 2022. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Graham Potter embraces Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Chelsea as they are substituted off during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 06, 2022. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Sami Mokbel had reported for the Daily Mail that Aubameyang was attracting interest from Spain, with Joao Felix’s arrival pushing the striker down the pecking order. Though Mokbel did highlight that the interest was in a summer move.

Gerard Romero then reported that Barcelona had consulted La Liga about the possibility of re-signing Aubameyang.

At the time, a move appeared to be on, but now it’s clearly on hold.

Even with Romelu Lukaku on loan and Armando Broja injured, Aubameyang has struggled to get into the starting lineup ahead of Kai Havertz recently.

Now Felix and David Datro Fofana have joined the club to add further competition, with Christopher Nkunku expected to sign officially in the summer.

The signs certainly aren’t good for Aubameyang’s Chelsea career.