Hertha Berlin have confirmed the signing of Marseille defender Karim Rekik.
Netherlands international Rekik, 22, joins Hertha — who had been looking for a replacement for U.S. international John Brooks — on a long-term deal for a reported fee of €2.5 million.
“Karim gathered a lot of experience at international level despite his young age,” Hertha sporting director Michael Preetz told the club’s official website. “We are convinced of his potential and believe that he will develop further here at Hertha BSC.”
Neuzugang Nummer 3️⃣ ist fix! Herzlich willkommen, @karimrekik. Schön, dass du Herthaner wirst �� Alle Infos ➡️ https://t.co/Ve8w3XtV42 pic.twitter.com/8HCz70IbJz
– Hertha BSC (@HerthaBSC) June 16, 2017
Rekik added: “Hertha Berlin are a big, ambitious club. That suits me, as I always want to achieve the maximum and hope to reach a lot with the club.”
Rekik won the European Under-17 Championship in 2011 with Netherlands, while he was also at Manchester City when they won the Premier League title in 2012, though he did not appear for them in the league that season. He also won the Eredivisie title with PSV Eindhoven in 2014-15.
The defender has racked up 70 appearances in the French, Dutch and English top flights, adding to 15 Europa League appearances and four Champions League qualification starts.
Rekik joins 26-year-old winger Mathew Leckie and 22-year-old centre-forward Davie Selke on the list of Hertha’s summer arrivals, with the club preparing for Europa League football next term.
Stefan Buczko covers Borussia Dortmund for ESPN FC. Twitter: @StefanBuczko.