20-year-old talented centre-back Karim Rekik has officially joined Ligue 1 side Marseille, for a rumoured transfer fee believed to be around £3.5million pounds.
Struggled for opportunities at City, despite impressing on-loan elsewhere
The Dutchman, who is highly thought of as a defender with the potential to flourish and become one of the world's best in the not-too-distant future, was frequently sent out on loan by Manchester City - who simply have too many options to choose from, and as a result, Marcelo Bielsa's men have completed a shrewd deal to sign the young prospect.
Marseille complete a real coup
Having sold three key players in the past month, André Pierre-Gignac (Tigres UNAL), André Ayew (Swansea) and Dimitri Payet (West Ham), Les Olympiens have finalised an intriguing move for a player who could benefit them greatly in both the French top flight, as well as the UEFA Europa League group stages. He could possibly strike up a solid defensive partnership with Nicolas N'Koulou - who has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the 2014/15 season.
Rekik, who was not given many first-team opportunities for the sky Blues, only featured in three fixtures for the blue half of Manchester since signing from Dutch side Feyenoord in the summer of 2011. Atlético Madrid and PSV Eindhoven, the latter of which Rekik starred for in a previous loan spell last season, were both interested in his services - but Marseille beat them both to his signature. However, it is believed that City were extremely reluctant to let him go, and have added a buy-back option in his contract, as well as the potential of earning a sell-on fee if he does move elsewhere in the future.
Interest helped Rekik make his decision
Rekik had this to say after making his move to France. "The way people talk about you is something that matters. Football is everything for Marseille and I want to give them that by playing good matches and, I hope, by bringing trophies. I wanted to take the next step and PSV was not an option this year. I had a choice between Atlético and Marseille - OM contacted me first and told me that I was really wanted."