Defender links up with Latics for the remainder of the 2022/23 Championship campaign
- Wigan Athletic sign Arsenal defender Omar Rekik on loan
- Rekik, 21, joins Latics following a previous loan spell with Sparta Rotterdam
- The central defender has already earned senior caps for Tunisia, after previously representing the Netherlands at youth level
We are delighted to confirm the loan signing of Arsenal defender and Tunisian international Omar Rekik for the remainder of the 2022/23 season, subject to EFL and FA approval.
Rekik becomes the Club’s fifth signing of the January Transfer Window, following the arrivals of Steven Caulker, Miguel Azeez, Christ Tiéhi and Martin Kelly.
Born in the Netherlands, the 21-year-old gained a rich, early football education after spending time at Feyenoord, Manchester City, PSV Eindhoven, and Marseille before joining Hertha Berlin in 2017. He later signed for Premier League side Arsenal in January 2021, featuring regularly for the U23s since his arrival in North London.
His assured performances did not go unnoticed, and Rekik earned his senior debut for Tunisia in a 1-0 victory over Mali in June 2021. He went on to be part of Tunisia's 2022 Africa Cup of Nations squad, making two appearances as they reached the Quarter Finals.
In order to gain some invaluable senior experience this season, Rekik spent the first half of the 2022/23 campaign with Eredivisie outfit Sparta Rotterdam.
After making six appearances in the Dutch top flight, Rekik will now join up with Shaun Maloney’s side for the rest of the season, bolstering Latics’ defence as they look to remain a Championship club come the end of the season.
Welcome, Omar!
Omar will wear number 24 during his time at the DW Stadium.