Manchester United are the latest side to show an interest in Belgian wonderkid Arthur Vermeeren. The 18-year-old midfielder is set for his Champions League debut against Barcelona on Tuesday evening, and it would be no surprise if several scouts were in attendance at Montjuic.
Vermeeren battled his way to a starting spot for the Belgian champions last season, despite only breaking into the first team last campaign. Winning plaudits for his ability to rob the ball and distribute accurately, several major clubs are reportedly looking at Vermeeren, with a view to him being their pivote of the future.
DM say that the Red Devils have shown an interest in Vermeeren and are looking at him, while reports in Spain say that Borussia Dortmund are also watching the €20m-rated midfielder. Barcelona’s interest in Vermeeren was revealed before the summer transfer window.
It’s a particularly pertinent issue for Barcelona, with their only pivot in their squad being 31-year-old Oriol Romeu. However the interest from other European giants is bad news for the Blaugrana, who know they are unlikely to be able to compete financially with United, and perhaps even Dortmund. In a recent meeting with Barcelona’s scouts, new Sporting Director Deco stressed the importance of beating other European powers to the best young talent, as a result of exactly that. Barcelona will be outsiders if other top sides do pursue Vermeeren.
