As per Sport.es, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is a keen admirer of Royal Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren. It is also said that Barcelona are showing interest in the 18-year-old player.
Vermeeren had a breakout season with Antwerp in the previous year, making 40 appearances for the Belgian champions and contributing with two goals and two assists.
The youngster has continued to excel this season, notching a couple more assists in nine games. Sport reports that Ten Hag has a strong appreciation for the young midfielder and that United have been monitoring his performances closely.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also monitoring his progress, and there are indications that the midfielder could seize the opportunity to impress manager Xavi in the upcoming Champions League clash scheduled for Tuesday.
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The young player had a standout season with Antwerp last year, where he consistently played as a defensive midfielder. His club secured the Belgian league title, a feat they hadn’t achieved in 66 years.
Vermeeren exhibited excellent passing accuracy, completing 83% of his passes throughout the season.
Defensively, he was quite reliable, averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.4 clearances, and 1.3 interceptions per game. Additionally, he was successful in more than four duels per match.
While he may have room for improvement in aerial challenges, his skills should only get better with more experience in the first team.
Vermeeren is currently being coached by Mark van Bommel, a former accomplished defensive midfielder, which explains his promising early development.
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To secure his signing, United should consider making an early move, especially with competition from Barcelona, a club known for attracting young talent.
Barcelona are actively seeking a defensive midfielder for a January transfer, and Vermeeren could become a viable option if he manages to impress Xavi in their Champions League encounters.
