Barcelona have sealed the £15m signing of Arsenal's Belgium international defender Thomas Vermaelen on a five-year deal. The 28-year-old defender passed a medical exam on Saturday and was presented to fans and media at the Nou Camp Stadium on Sunday. "Coming to Barcelona is a dream move - it wasn't a difficult decision at all," said Vermaelen.
Vermaelen joined Arsenal from Ajax for £10m in 2009 and made 150 appearances for the Gunners, also becoming the club captain. He said: "I feel ready to play here. I think I can offer a lot to this club. There's a lot of competition here but I'm very excited. It's up to me to show what I can do - it'll be a challenge for me." Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "At the moment it is a possibility that someone comes in to replace Thomas Vermaelen. I can't tell you who!"
Vermaelen's progress has been hindered by a string of injuries last season, he made only 21 appearances for the Gunners. He added: "I want to put the injuries I've had behind me and look to the future. My aim is to play in lots of games and help the team. I am keen to get started and I know the demands here are really testing." Vermaelen is Barcelona's second new entry in defence this summer after Valencia's Jeremy Mathieu.
Barcelona are 11/10 at Bet365 to win the Primera Liga title this season.
h34dhunt3r
9 years ago
@kruno1414 I don't know what you are talking about. Thomas Vermaelen has always been tier3 kind of player and nowhere near world class, which is requested if you want to play for Barcelona. If they signed him for free, I would understand. But this way, it's complete nonsence. This guy haven't played two games in a row,...
@kruno1414 I don't know what you are talking about. Thomas Vermaelen has always been tier3 kind of player and nowhere near world class, which is requested if you want to play for Barcelona. If they signed him for free, I would understand. But this way, it's complete nonsence. This guy haven't played two games in a row, and he's been in the club for more then six months. Worst Barcelona's signing ever.
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kruno1414
9 years ago
They finnaly get serious and got a decent defender to their lines. I hope im wrong , but i think those injuries which Vermaelen carries a long time left a trace on him .
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