Few Everton fans were enthused by the prospect of bringing the injury-prone Thomas Vermaelen back to the Premier League this summer.
Just over two months ago, reports that Everton were considering bringing Thomas Vermaelen back to England had fans and pundits alike scratching their heads.
The Sun claimed in August that Toffees manager Ronald Koeman had given his blessing to a surprise swoop for the 31-year-old. And while Vermaelen was one of the finest defenders in the Premier League during his five-year spell at Arsenal, a relentless series of injuries left the Belgian international as one of football’s unfairly forgotten men.
Vermaelen trekked that well-worn path to swap the Emirates for Barcelona in the summer of 2014 but has made just ten La Liga appearances since. And, during a season-long loan spell at Roma, the left-footed centre-back played just 12 times in all competitions.
Signing Vermaelen, then, would have been a risk – albeit without the added pressure of a hefty price tag.
Changing tack
Flash forward to the present day, however, and it is testament to just how poor Everton have been this season that Vermaelen would probably now be welcomed with open arms by Toffees fans.
The Liverpool Echo reported that a deadline day loan move to Goodison Park fell through as Barcelona wanted to keep hold of the defender. The Catalan giants appear to have changed tactics now, however, with Sport claiming Vermaelen could be farmed out in January.
And with Michael Keane struggling miserably to live up to his £25 million price tag, Ramiro Funes Mori still injured and age quickly catching up to Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka, Vermaelen could add some much needed depth and quality at centre-half.
Only Crystal Palace have conceded more Premier League goals than Everton in 2017/18. And, fitness permitting, Vermaelen would walk into this team right now.
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