Official | Marseille sign Kevin Strootman from AS Roma for an initial €25m

Olympique de Marseille have today officially signed Kevin Strootman from Roma. The €25m transfer brings an end to what was a rumour-filled week with numerous reports linking Marseille with the Dutch midfielder. Strootman’s arrival brings some much-needed excitement to the Stade Vélodrome after missing out on Mario Balotelli and two successive disappointing Ligue 1 results.

Formerly of Sparta Rotterdam, FC Utrecht, and PSV Eindhoven, Strootman’s most recent spell was with Serie A side AS Roma. While the 28-year-old was able to display his quality in Italy, he often struggled with difficult injuries that sidelined him for a number of months. Three separate knee operations forced Strootman out of a total of 90 Roma matches. These absences both derailed his career in Rome and marked the Dutchman with a reputation as one of the more injury-prone midfielders in Europe.

Assuming Strootman can stay on the pitch, this transfer could be quite a coup for Marseille. Their new midfielder should be able to acclimate to his new surroundings quickly, as he almost immediately found his feet in Italy upon his arrival in 2013.

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Capable of playing in a more defensive role or slightly further up the pitch, Strootman can easily deliver end product from the middle of the park. The Dutch international contributed to 11 Serie A goals in both 2013/14 and 2016/17, two seasons when he was able to stay injury-free.

G.M.