Atlético de Madrid are continuing to shape their future squad for the upcoming season. One of the positions where there are some doubts is the midfield. Despite the arrival of Conor Gallagher - pending official confirmation - there are doubts about Arthur Vermeeren , the 18-year-old Belgian midfielder.
The player arrived last winter from Antwerp in his country, where he developed most of his sporting career. Since he arrived as a child to the city of Bosuilstadion , with the arrival of Mark Van Bommel , he established himself in the first team of Antwerp . Last winter he arrived at Atlético de Madrid for 18 million euros plus variables, signing until 2028.
Offered to Valencia
According to MARCA , a loan move has been considered to continue his adaptation, as it is understood that it is better for him to have minutes. Valencia is one of the best positioned teams; he was considered during theJavi Guerra operation. He was offered to the Che team, which however did not give the go-ahead for the arrival of the Belgian national team player.
The club is willing to accept offers for the young player, it believes in his potential and only asks for patience. Axel Witselhas been his mentor during these months, helping him closely with both the language and the integration into the dressing room. He has only played two games as a starter, one against Rayo Vallecano and another against Real Sociedad de San Sebastián.
We want him to play more minutes
At Atlético de Madrid there is a strong belief that the player, with playing time, can become a key piece for the future. Breaking down the language barrier is one of the priorities, and if we add to that the fact that he gets more playing time, it is ideal. Arthur is already gradually becoming more comfortable, as we have seen recently during the tour of Hong Kong.
With the huge competition in the Atlético midfield, the Belgian footballer is not against leaving in order to continue growing. The possibility of offering him to different First Division teams is being studied. Las Palmas recently asked about Pablo Barrios , but was refused; it could be different with the former Amberes player, Arthur Vermeeren.
Barrios and Gallagher block his path
The presence of Pablo Barrios and Conor Gallagher almost closes the door for him to make the starting eleven, despite the departure of Saúl Ñíguez . Vermeeren can play both as an inside midfielder and as a central midfielder; in the preseason he gave an assist to Correa in Getafe .
One of his greatest wishes is to play in the Champions League again, which he already played in the past six months of 2023 with his team. He shone against FC Barcelona , against whom he scored a goal in the home win, which was precisely key to the rojiblancos' qualification for the Club World Cup .