Dutch international, Kevin Strootman joined French giants Olympique de Marseille in deal worth an initial €25m and additional €3m in bonuses after five seasons with the Giallorossi. Under the leadership of current director of football, AS Roma can pride themselves as one of the best run club in Europe with excellent acquisitions that meet the club expectation on the sporting and financial aspect. However, this Kevin Strootman exit from the Italian club has raised some eyebrows and the air of discontent in the Eternal City.
On the other side, the new Marseille man is seen a major acquisition for the club and its ability to attract top players to the Orange Velodrome. The relationship between Head coach Rudi Garcia and Strootman could be another factor that helped convince the former PSV midfielder; Garcia signed him at Roma and has done same again in Marseille. Strootman made 137 appearances for Roma scoring 13 times from midfield. The box-to-box midfielder suffered serious knee injuries during his time in Italy but has returned to sterling health in the past two seasons playing almost 90 games. OM have strengthened their midfield and his partnership with Luis Gustavo could be a strong platform for the team’s attacking component to thrive on.
Strootman, 28, is in his prime age and is expected to be hitting the pinnacle of his game at the stage of career so his move away from Roma is a bit strange considering Roma are a well-run club. According to Monchi, he said “Strootman played many games last season and he is a great player. This move was decided all together. We want players that are committed to being here, we never put a gun to his head to force him to leave…” His former teammate Stephan El Shaarawy calls his exit “a big loss” as he was “a charismatic man in the dressing room”. It appears Roma are shifting focus to youth. The capital club have invested in younger players but Dutch international exit from the club could be more than just a mutual agreement between all parties concerned.
Winners and Losers
Olympique Marseille have signed an outstanding player who will help improve their squad. The Europa League finalist would hope to go one step better in the same competition this season as well as challenge for a Champions League spot in Ligue 1 – a spot they missed last season by a single point. Marseille president Jacques-Henri Eyraud is very enthusiastic about the Dutch man joining Les Phocéens; “He is a major recruit, especially due to his experience. He also has incredible mental toughness and strength of character; he is a world-class player,”. The new Marseille player shares the same enthusiasm with the club president; “I think that Olympique Marseille is a big club, that people know all over France and the world. I spoke with the coach and the directors, and I want to help them reach their objectives. I’m very happy to be here. Rudi Garcia? He’s a very special person for me. He signed me at AS Roma and now he has done it again here at Marseille. We have already spoken about different systems. I’m very happy to continue my adventure with him.”
AS Roma have lost one charismatic character in the dressing room who made himself heard. The Giallorossi have lost two of their three most experienced midfield fulcrum this season though it has to be said that reinforcements have come in but many of them are younger players who will need time to fit into the club’s culture and the demand of a passionate crowd who have been yearning for a Scudetto title since they last won it in 2001.
Marseille have landed their second summer acquisition after Duje Caleta-Car. Kevin Strootman can make his debut when OM travel to North East to Stade Louis II this weekend to play AS Monaco. Predict and win big in this Ligue 1 fixture by visiting our Sports shop Babaijebu.ng
Who do you think will benefit more from this move? Please use the comment section beneath.