“Marseille is a big step in my career” – England U21 defender CJ Egan-Riley on moving to Ligue 1 from Burnley | OneFootball

CJ Egan-Riley believes Marseille is the right place to take the next step in his career, after joining on a free transfer from newly-promoted Premier League side Burnley – and he has fellow Englishman Jonathan Rowe’s endorsement to back it up.Speaking at his unveiling on Wednesday, the 22-year-old defender revealed that he had spoken at length with his England U21 teammate before committing to OM this summer. “I asked Jonathan about the city and the club. He only had good things to say,” said Egan-Riley. “He told me I’d made the right decision by coming here.”The Manchester City academy graduate arrives on a free transfer following the end of his contract with Burnley. He played a key role as the Clarets earned promotion back to the Premier League, finishing second in the Championship last season. Like Rowe, he was also part of England’s victorious squad at this summer’s UEFA Under-21 Euros.“Marseille is a big step in my career. I want to soak everything in, like a sponge, and learn everything the coach has to give,” said the former Manchester City man. The right-footed centre-back, who can also cover at right-back or as a holding midfielder, is seen as a natural fit for Roberto De Zerbi’s possession-heavy philosophy. “I like having the ball, controlling the game,” he admitted. His distribution — honed under Pep Guardiola during a brief stint with Manchester City’s first team — could prove vital to De Zerbi’s backline rebuild. This is especially considering OM’s return to the UEFA Champions League this season.GFFN | George Boxall