Aubameyang Signs for Deportivo Alavés as Promoted Side Beats Elche in Season Opener
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has completed a move to Deportivo Alavés, joining the newly promoted La Liga club in a marquee signing that has generated significant buzz among football fans. The Gabonese striker, who turns 38 this year, arrives at a club returning to Spain's top tier after an eight-year absence following relegation in 2018. Alavés open their season on August 18 at home against Elche, with the veteran forward expected to feature prominently in their survival bid.
Key Points
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 37, joins Deportivo Alavés from Marseille where he was released after a disciplinary incident involving a fire extinguisher
- Last season at Marseille: 30 Ligue 1 appearances with a combined 15 goals and assists
- Career accolades include Bundesliga and Premier League Golden Boot titles; all-time leading African scorer in Europe's top five leagues
- Deportivo Alavés return to La Liga after 8 seasons away, achieving promotion as Segunda División runners-up in 2023-24
- Other signings include goalkeeper Leo Roman from Mallorca and defender Angelino on loan from Roma
- Elche barely survived relegation last season; new head coach is 41-year-old Argentine Marcelo Anselmi
- Elche lost striker Alvaro Rodriguez to Bournemouth and could only sign replacement Fer Nino from lower division
- Elche has won only 3 times in 12 La Liga opening matches historically
Why It Matters
Aubameyang's arrival signals Deportivo Alavés' ambition to avoid the relegation rollercoaster that has plagued promoted clubs in recent La Liga seasons. For Hong Kong football fans, the match broadcast on Now TV Channel 632 offers a chance to witness whether a 37-year-old veteran can still deliver at the highest level of European football, particularly given the striker's disciplinary concerns that ended his Marseille tenure. The season opener will test both clubs' preparations—Alavés' new-look squad against an Elche side undergoing tactical transition under their untested Argentine coach.
Aubameyang's arrival signals Deportivo Alavés' ambition to avoid the relegation rollercoaster that has plagued promoted clubs in recent La Liga seasons. For Hong Kong football fans, the match broadcast on Now TV Channel 632 offers a chance to witness whether a 37-year-old veteran can still deliver at the highest level of European football, particularly given the striker's disciplinary concerns that ended his Marseille tenure. The season opener will test both clubs' preparations—Alavés' new-look squad against an Elche side undergoing tactical transition under their untested Argentine coach.