Arsenal youth defender Omar Rekik has signed a season-long loan deal with Sparta Rotterdam with an appearance clause in it.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Omar Rekik of Arsenal passes the ball during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Brighton & Hove Albion U23 at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2021. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Omar Rekik of Arsenal passes the ball during the Premier League 2 match between Arsenal U23 and Brighton & Hove Albion U23 at Emirates Stadium on October 01, 2021. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

Tunisian YouTuber Ihsen Ben Salah reported an update from the family of Arsenal youngster Omar Rekik (also of Tunisia), that he’s signing a season-long deal with Sparta Rotterdam this summer. The deal has since been confirmed by Sparta.

As part of the deal, Sparta reportedly have to play Rekik in at least 75% of their matches, or they’ll face a fine of up to €1m.

Lille and Stoke City were also amongst the clubs following Rekik, but they refused the contract condition. Stoke signed Arsenal youngster Harry Clarke on loan instead.

Sparta Rotterdam play in the Eredivisie, and their 14th-place finish from 18 teams last season suggests they could use the help in the upcoming campaign.

That gives Rekik a good opportunity to go and play regularly, especially with the game-time provision in his contract. He’ll be keen to get a run of games ahead of the World Cup later this year, with Tunisia having qualified for the tournament.

Omar Rekik (number 4) celebrates with the Tunisia squad (Photo via Hannibal.actu on Instagram)
Omar Rekik (number 4) celebrates with the Tunisia squad (Photo via Hannibal.actu on Instagram)

Reports earlier this month suggested Arsenal would let Rekik leave on loan this summer, with links to clubs in Germany and the Netherlands. Clearly that interest from the Netherlands was genuine.

Rekik didn’t play as much football for the Arsenal u23s as he would have wanted this season, due to his AFCON absence with Tunisia in January and his subsequent injury keeping him out until April.

But when available, the 20-year-old continued to impress, particularly in possession. He’s also physically built for senior football, so he shouldn’t struggle to impose himself in the Eredivisie.