Getty Aubameyang has a new squad number at Barcelona.
Barcelona attackers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ferran Torres have been handed new squad numbers at the Camp Nou ahead of the start of the new 2022-23 La Liga season.
Aubameyang, who finished last season as the team’s joint top scorer on 13 goals despite only arriving in January, will wear the No. 17 in the new campaign. The Gabon international took the No. 25 when he first arrived at the Camp Nou.
🆕 number for @auba! 😎
Barcelona’s striker has worn the No. 17 before, notably at Borussia Dortmund where he scored 141 goals in 213 games in almost five years with the Bundesliga side. The No. 17 has previously been worn by players including Antoine Griezmann, Paco Alcacer, Munir, Pedro and Mark van Bommel at Barcelona.
Dutch striker Luuk de Jong took the number last year during his loan spell with the club but has since moved on. The striker initially returned to parent club Sevilla but has since signed for Eredivisie side PSV.
Barcelona have previously confirmed that summer signing Robert Lewandowski will wear the famous No. 9 shirt, taking over from Memphis Depay, and it’s expected Ansu Fati continue with the iconic No. 10.
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Ferran Becomes Barcelona’s No. 11
Ferran Torres is also switching and will wear the No. 11. The Spain international swaps from the No. 19 and follows in the footsteps of players such as Neymar, Ousmane Dembele, Thiago, and Rivaldo.
He’s a ten but he’s an eleven 💙♥️ @FerranTorres20
The winger has not featured in pre-season for Barcelona after picking up a foot injury but has been back in training ahead of the start of the new campaign. Aubameyang has featured in pre-season, scoring in friendlies against Olot, Inter Miami, and Pumas.
Barcelona kick off their new season on Saturday, August 13 against Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou. The hosts will be big favorites to start with a win but will need no reminding they were surprisingly beaten home and away in La Liga by Rayo last season.
Chelsea Keen On Auba?
Aubameyang’s number change comes amid speculation he is wanted by Premier League side Chelsea. The Blues are due to find out this week “if they have a realistic change of signing” the Gabon international, as reported by The Telegraph.
The Blues are keen to strengthen their attack after seeing Romelu Lukaku return to Inter on loan, while fellow striker Timo Werner is on the brink of a move to Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.
Aubameyang has been a hit at Barcelona since joining for free in January but may struggle for minutes in 2022-23 following the arrival of Robert Lewandowski from Bayern Munich.
The Poland international looks set to be Xavi’s first-choice striker next season, leaving Aubameyang very much playing back-up. Barca also have a host of other attackers available including Dembele, new signing Raphinha, and Ansu Fati.
Aubameyang knows the Premier League well after spending four years with Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal. However, it’s been previously reported that the striker’s preference is to remain at Barca and see out his contract that runs until 2025.
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