Young Dutch central defender Karim Rekik has returned to PSV Eindhoven on loan after arrival of Eliaquim Mangala put him further down the pecking order at Manchester City writes Will Burns.
The competition for places in the centre of the Premier League champions’ defence made a major stumbling block for the future of Rekik in Manchester.
The 19-year-old defender enjoyed a successful spell in Eindhoven last term under head coach Philip Cocu, where the youngster formed a great partnership with Jeffrey Bruma and made 25 Eredivisie starts. Then Dutch coach, Louis van Gaal was impressed with the performances of the 6ft 1inch defender, Rekik was selected in the Oranje’s 30-man provisional squad before the World Cup finals this summer.
PSV technical director Marcel Brands has been very vocal about wishing to take Rekik back into the squad this season and with the arrival of French international Eliaquim Mangala from Porto for £32million, City boss Manuel Pellegrini made the decision to let Rekik rejoin the Eindhoven club.
Today saw the announcement from PSV that Rekik has indeed joined on a season-long loan deal and could be ready to re-debut for PSV against NAC Breda this Saturday night at the Philips Stadion. This player must boost PSV’s title challenge and may see rivals Ajax, Feyenoord and FC Twente further strengthen their squads before the September 2nd transfer deadline.
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