23yo signs for new club after Arsenal release him | OneFootball

Omar Rekik has signed for NK Maribor after a few months as a free agent, having officially departed Arsenal at the end of the summer transfer window.

Photo via NK Maribor.com

After three years at Arsenal including four loan spells to Sparta Rotterdam, Wigan Athletic (twice), and Servette, Omar Rekik ended his association with the Gunners in late August.

Reports suggested Rekik had specifically requested to leave Arsenal, wanting to try something new. By terminating his contract, the defender made himself available to join a new club even outside of the summer window.

Yet that didn’t happen, and the player ultimately had to wait until this month to confirm his long-term future.

Photo via Arsenal.com

Slovenian side NK Maribor write that Rekik has signed for the club, and he’s already held his first training session with his new side.

“The people at the club and in the city are friendly,” Rekik said. “I’ve already gotten to know the city and it’s very nice. It’s a little cold and I have to get used to the weather, but my first impressions are very good.”

Maribor confirm that the player joined as a free agent, with Arsenal officially announcing his release on August 30th.

Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images

Arriving from Hertha BSC in 2021, Rekik made 17 appearances for the Arsenal u21s but never featured in a competitive first-team squad for the Gunners.

At one point it seemed likely the defender would eventually get a chance in north London, particularly as he broke into Tunisia’s senior squad and made a few international appearances.

Yet that first-team chance never came, and a departure started to seem like a matter of time. Rekik can now start his new chapter in Slovenia.