Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s impressive season at Olympique de Marseille might not be enough to secure his future at the club.

With Marseille’s hopes of qualifying for European competitions fading, the financial burden of Aubameyang’s salary could force the club to part ways with their star striker.

Marseille's French forward #10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacts during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg football match between Olympique de Marseille and Villareal CF at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, souteastern France, on March 7, 2024. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s French forward #10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reacts during the UEFA Europa League round of 16 first-leg football match between Olympique de Marseille and Villareal CF at the Velodrome Stadium in Marseille, souteastern France, on March 7, 2024. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

Olympique de Marseille‘s (OM) failure to secure a European competition spot could result in the departure of striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports. The club’s financial constraints, coupled with Aubameyang‘s significant salary, make it difficult to retain the Gabonese star without the revenue generated from European football.

Aubameyang, a standout performer for OM this season with 29 goals across all competitions, was recently named the club’s best player for the 2023-2024 season after a season that saw him heavily criticised at first. His brace against Lorient on Sunday kept OM in contention for European qualification.

Marseille's French-Gabonese forward #10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Montpellier Herault SC at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France on February 25, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s French-Gabonese forward #10 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (L) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and Montpellier Herault SC at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France on February 25, 2024. (Photo by CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the club’s final league position will play a crucial role in determining Aubameyang‘s future. According to La Provence, OM president Pablo Longoria will not have the financial capacity to keep the 34-year-old striker unless the team secures a spot in a European competition.

Currently eighth in Ligue 1, Marseille could potentially qualify for the Europa League or the Europa Conference League if they win their remaining matches against Reims and Le Havre. But even with European qualification, Aubameyang‘s future remains uncertain.

Rumours suggest that the former Arsenal captain has already “chosen his future destination, in a championship which has been making eyes on him since last summer.” This points towards a potential move to Saudi Arabia, a league Aubameyang turned down last year to join OM.

While such a move would bring a financial windfall for Marseille, it would be a significant loss for the team on a sporting level.