Liverpool have reportedly joined the race to tempt Barcelona-linked midfielder Arthur Vermeeren away from Royal Antwerp in 2024.
According to Fichajes, Liverpool are plotting to continue their midfield rebuild in the future transfer window and are “closely monitoring” Belgian playmaker Arthur Vermeeran with a view to the short and medium term.
Prior to the summer transfer window, it was difficult to see where Liverpool were headed with their squad rebuild, as they look to have approached the end of a cycle following the departures of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Naby Keita, and others.
On the flip side, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Wataru Endo arrived through the door, resulting in the start of a new and exciting chapter in Anfield history as the Reds look set to re-enter the title fight with long-standing rivals Manchester City this season.
The Merseyside club could yet add another gem to their midfield gauntlet in the near future, too. As per Fichajes, Liverpool are keeping an eye on Vermeeren, who is valued at €20 million by Antwerp and has a contract until 2026 with the Belgian outfit.
Having arrived at Royal Antwerp’s youth setup via KV Mechelen in 2018, Vermeeren is the name on everybody’s lips, with the 18-year-old midfielder bursting onto the scene for Royal Antwerp only last season. The 18-year-old featured 20 times in the league for eventual title winners Antwerp, forging a role for himself in defensive midfield.
Despite his tender age, he is already emerging as a key player for Antwerp, having registered one goal and five assists in 24 games across all competitions. Vermeeren is also picking up vital experience in the Champions League, as he has played a full 90 minutes in all five of their group stage matches so far, providing two assists in the process.
The teenage sensation might not go straight into Jurgen Klopp’s starting lineup, but he could end up becoming one of their most important players after a couple more years of development.
The Reds are not the only club interested in securing Vermeeren’s services, with Barcelona currently heading the race for the Belgium international’s signature, with recent reports suggesting that the Catalan club could make a move in the next winter market.
Midfield remains a key focus for Xavi Hernandez’s side, with an ongoing hunt in place for a long-term successor to Sergio Busquets in the Blaugrana engine room. Various options have been named for that position, including Martin Zubimendi and Guido Rodriguez, but Barcelona’s troubles with the La Liga salary limit will also restrict their spending ability.
Vermeeren is not only a more affordable option; he is a complete midfielder who can operate as a No. 6 or a No. 8. He has a great engine, is defensively strong, and also possesses fantastic ball retention skills.
Although Liverpool have the finances and the lure of the Premier League, Barca will put up stiff competition as they are often hard for players to turn down thanks to their illustrious history, so it’s set be an intriguing transfer race for Vermeeren, with more and more top-level teams expected to join it ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.
