Former Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen reportedly has his eyes on a return to the Premier League, so should Everton keep an eye on him?
With the January transfer window looming on the horizon, Thomas Vermaelen’s new-found availability gives Everton a decision to make.
It seems that a new centre-back is in The Toffees’ sights heading into 2019 with The Metro reporting that Kurt Zouma is unlikely to stay once his loan spell from Chelsea comes to an end. And there is a feeling too that this could be 36-year-old Phil Jagielka’s last season at Goodison Park.
The report adds that Everton are in talks with Manchester United’s Marcos Rojo while his Old Trafford team-mate Chris Smalling has also been linked, via The Sun.
But according to El Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona defender Vermaelen is eyeing a return to the Premier League sooner rather than later. And, with his contract expiring next summer, it is understood that the La Liga champions will let him go.
Now, the 33-year-old was heavily linked with Everton throughout 2017 with then manager Ronald Koeman understood to be very interested, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
And while Marco Silva and Marcel Brands are calling the shots these days, Vermaelen’s Premier League experience, enduring class and leadership skills mean he would still be a fine addition to a relatively youthful squad, particularly if he can stay fit.
He’d be far cheaper than Rojo or Smalling too, who are reportedly valued at £18 and £30 million respectively.
Perhaps Silva and Brands should pick up where Koeman left off.
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