Arsenal have confirmed that academy midfielder Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand has joined Dutch second-tier side Den Bosch on loan for the year.
The 20-year-old returns to the country of his birth to gain more experience of senior football having endured a nightmare run of injuries.
This time last year, Salah was sent to Hull City on loan but was recallled at the end of January having failed to make a single appearance due to a thigh problem.
Arsenal had granted the Tigers an option to buy in the original agreement but they obviously weren’t in a position to follow through given the circumstances.
Salah did get back to fitness but then suffered a setback on his first appearance back with the Gunners’ under-21s.
Given the senior players in front of him and the fact he’s contracted until 2025, it always felt like another loan deal was on the cards.
Arsenal have dealt with Den Bosch before, twice loaning Nikolaj Moller to the Stadion De Vliert outfit.
Their Technical Director, Yousuf Sajjad, is also well acquainted with Arsenal having been been part of the Recruitment Analysis team before becoming Head of Emerging Talent. He clearly sees something in Salah and the player is keen to repay his faith.
In his first interview with his new club, the midfielder said: “The move to FC Den Bosch is a conscious choice. I want to become 100% fit here in a trusted environment.
“I want to pay back the trust I’ve been given with performances on the pitch. I’ve spoken to Yousuf, who I already knew, and the manager.
“They told me what FC Den Bosch stands for currently. Their values, on and off the pitch, fit me well. As a person, but also as a player. I’m a creative midfielder who also stands his ground defensively. I’m looking forward to being on the pitch here.”
We hope this move works out for him.
Come back better
Exactly the right attitude. Hope it all goes well.