Sparta Rotterdam have brought in Rick Meissen to replace Omar Rekik, who has returned to Arsenal with the expectation he will be sent to Wigan Athletic on loan before the window closes on Tuesday.

Omar Rekik on Instagram
Omar Rekik on Instagram in October

Sparta Rotterdam have signed Rick Meissen on a three-and-a-half year contract with an option for an extra year.

There were high expectations for Omar Rekik upon his arrival on loan, but the Arsenal 21-year-old only played in six games (120 minutes) and has now been recalled in the hope of getting him more game time to continue his development.

Meissen, a 20-year-old FC Utrecht talent, has already played in 58 Keuken Kampioen Divisie matches.

https://twitter.com/SpartaRotterdam/status/1620044284039761920

Technical director Gerard Nijkamp is reportedly extremely happy with the addition of Meissen to the team.

Nijkamp stated that the club has been keeping a close eye on the Keuken Kampioen Divisie for potential reinforcements and Meissen was one of the players on their radar.

Meissen is a strong central defender who has the potential to make the step up to the Eredivisie, and the club is confident that he will be a valuable asset to the team.

As for Rekik, his recall is yet another sign of the proactive nature of the current Arsenal management set-up. How many kids have we watched waste away on loan getting no playing time over the years?

You can read more about Rekik’s recall and his new loan here.