Thomas Vermaelen has confirmed that Everton were interested in him during the summer transfer window.
Everton had reportedly shown an interest in signing Thomas Vermaelen during the summer transfer window, but the deal didn’t materialise.
The Barcelona defender has come out and confirmed that indeed there was interest from the Premier League club for him. However, he was forced to stay with the Catalan club.
Despite signing Michael Keane from Burnley, Ronald Koeman was interested in bringing the Belgian defender to fit the role of a left-sided centre-back.
However, the Catalan giants rebuffed all advances from Everton, as they didn’t want to be left short in their defensive options.
“The board told me they needed four centre-backs,” Vermaelen told Belgian publication DH.
I didn’t have a choice but to stay. Clubs tried until the very last day, like Everton, but it was impossible. I wasn’t even able to negotiate.
“I’m not commenting anymore on my personal situation, the last time I did it, it turned against me.”
The 31-year-old joined Barcelona from Arsenal in 2014, but has only managed 11 La Liga appearances till date. In between, he spent a short stint spell Roma on loan.
Vermaelen has refused to comment on his future plans. Also, it remains to be seen whether the Blues at all make a move for him with Koeman now gone.
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