The former Arsenal man will return to Barcelona in the summer, and could be the perfect replacement for Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk if the Dutchman moves on.
Vermaelen challenging for a header for Barcelona
Following reports from Football Italia that Watford are making enquiries into the availability of FC Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen, Southampton should move quickly and move for the player before their Premier League rivals.
The Belgium international may have only made 21 appearances for Barca since signing for them from Arsenal in 2014, while spending this season on loan at AS Roma, but if kept fit, his experience and ability could be invaluable for a side chasing Europe like Southampton aspire to.
Throw in the uncertain future surrounding Saints defender Virgil van Dijk, and moving for a player of Vermaelen’s stature makes even more sense – despite the fact the defender is currently 31 years of age.
At Arsenal, Vermaelen was excellent – to the point Barcelona decided to sign him for £15m, as reports BBC Sport – and even despite being plagued with injuries on occasion, the Spanish giants still felt he was worthy of the outlay.
Picture Supplied by Action Images
Given the style of play Claude Puel is implementing at St Mary’s Stadium, Vermaelen would also fit into his system as a ball playing centre back, while offering a calm yet classy presence amongst the back line.
The Football Italia report states that Barca are happy to loan out Vermaelen again next season, so if Southampton were to act quickly enough, they could secure a brilliant talent this summer for peanuts.
Belgium’s Thomas Vermaelen is shown a yellow card by referee Milorad Mazic
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