It looks like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's ill-fated Chelsea spell is going to come to an end. The Gabon striker was something of a surprise signign for the Blues at the end of the summer transfer window, once again teaming up with Thomas Tuchel.
But when Tuchel was sacked, with Aubameyang having played just 59 minutes under his old boss, things did not look good. Aubameyang has struggled for game time under new boss Graham Potter, scoring just three goals in 17 appearances across all competitions and his Premier League time looks up.
MLS outfit Los Angeles FC have been heavily linked with a move for the frontman, with their Primary Transfer Window open from Tuesday, January 31 to Monday, April 24. That means he can sign for them, despite the Premier League transfer window being closed.
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However, there is another rule that comes into question. Players may be registered for up to three teams during one season, but can only play for two. Aubameyang started the season with Barcelona and played one match for them before moving to Chelsea.
So how can he sign for LAFC and play for them? Well, because of a FIFA loophole.
The MLS 2023 season is considered to be an 'overlapping season', meaning he is free to make the move and play for his new club, should a deal go through.
The FIFA Ruling states: "Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs,' FIFA says. 'As an exception to this rule, a player moving between two clubs belonging to associations with overlapping seasons (i.e. start of the season in summer/autumn as opposed to winter/spring) may be eligible to play in official matches for a third club during the relevant season."
One factor that will have to be taken into consideration is that MLS clubs must submit an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) to complete the signing of Aubameyang as an under-contract player in another country.
Then there are his significantly-sized wages to contend with. It is believed Aubameyang is on a whopping £160,000 per-week contract at Chelsea, providing a possible stumbling block for the deal.
LAFC dropped a cryptic social media hint that the deal was set to go through on Friday morning, with a video post that showed a black LAFC cap being put in a box ready to be posted, with a winking emoji.
Although it is cryptic, the wink face as a caption has added to the intrigue especially as Aubameyang is a man known for his style, including hats.
With former Gunner Carlos Vela and fellow Gabonese star Denis Bouanga currently fulfilling two of LAFC's designated player spots, Aubameyang would become the club's designated player without any major problems. The designated player rules allows MLS clubs to sign players, like Aubameyang, whose wages exceed the maximum salary budget charge.
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