Omar Rekik has joined Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of the season, after being recalled from Sparta Rotterdam.

Omar Rekik after signing for Wigan (Photo via WiganAthletic.com)
Omar Rekik after signing for Wigan (Photo via WiganAthletic.com)

Wigan Athletic have confirmed the loan signing of Omar Rekik from Arsenal, adding that he’ll wear the number 24 during his spell with the club.

Bart Kruijt of Voetbal International reported on Monday that Rekik had been recalled from Sparta Rotterdam early, with the intention of immediately loaning him back out.

Reports then emerged that Wigan were taking the Arsenal defender on, with Rekik joining fellow loanee Miguel Azeez at the Championship club.

Rekik’s recall was one of the least surprising of the January window. The 21-year-old had only played 27 minutes for Sparta Rotterdam’s first team, despite being fit to feature in the squad for 16 matches.

Omar Rekik after signing for Wigan (Photo via WiganAthletic.com)
Omar Rekik after signing for Wigan (Photo via WiganAthletic.com)

Having recently sacked former Arsenal player Kolo Toure as manager, as well as ex-Arsenal academy coach Kevin Betsy, Wigan are in desperate need of help right now.

The team sit bottom of the Championship, with the only saving grace that they’re just four points away from Cardiff in 21st – the nearest club outside of the relegation zone.

Wigan will now hope that the additions of a couple of Arsenal youngsters in Azeez and Rekik can help to inspire the team to put some results together and avoid the drop.

With easily the worst defensive record in their division, Wigan should be open to giving centre-back Rekik a shot in their side.

Then it’s down to the Tunisia international himself to put in the performances to keep his spot.