Sporting Kansas City have completed the signing of Gedion Zelalem from Arsenal.
It was reported last week that talks were continuing between the Gunners and the MLS outfit over a permanent deal for the 22-year-old and now the transfer has been confirmed at the midfielder returns to the United States six years after moving to north London.
Via Sporting Kansas City’s official website, a statement reads.
“Gedion is a talented player and we are excited to welcome him to the club,” Sporting KC Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes said. “We look forward to his integration into the squad as the team competes in multiple competitions throughout the season.”
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Despite the transfer window being shut in Europe, the move is being allowed to happen in the middle of March as the new MLS season has only just got underway and can complete more deals until May 7.
Much was expected of Zelalem when he was included in Arsenal’s squad for the summer tour to Asia in 2013 and some stellar performances saw him labelled as the next Cesc Fabregas.
However, a series of injuries halted his progress.
The midfielder was away with his national team at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea when he ruptured the cruciate ligament in his right knee and that was to keep him out for 16 months.
Arsenal took up an option on his contract, which meant his deal was extended to 2018 during his recovery , but problems saw his return date pushed further back on several occassions.