Arthur Vermeeren is already in Germany to join the Leipzig squad and begin a new adventure. The young Belgian midfielder's time at Atlético de Madrid has been very disappointing, although it was not his fault. The player landed at the Metropolitano after having a good group stage of the Champions League with the Antwerp shirt.
However, he never managed to convince Simeone , who had been demanding a signing for that position for years. Arthur Vermeeren played very few games, despite always receiving the support of the fans in every game. Now, he is leaving on loan with an option to buy that will become mandatory if some very simple requirements are met.
Arthur Vermeeren, without Simeone's confidence
It cannot be said that Arthur Vermeeren's departure has come as a surprise , but it must be admitted that he has not been given the opportunities he deserved. The Belgian started the first game for which he was available, being substituted at half-time against Rayo Vallecano . After that, he practically disappeared from the pitch, not playing again until matches that were very much decided .
Arthur Vermeeren only played five of the 25 matches he was called up for, showing that there was a lack of confidence. Even so, the Belgian international never had a bad word to say about Atlético de Madrid or a Simeone with whom he did not fit in. He has played 159 minutes out of the 2280 possible in the seven months he has been in the dynamics of the red and white team.
The last pre-season was key for Arthur Vermeeren 's future, and he was able to make some appearances in the summer friendlies. However, he has not played in the first two league matches, making it clear that he is not part of his coach's plans. Now, he is leaving, leaving some money in the Atlético coffers and with the doors open to be transferred next summer.
Clear track for Conor Gallagher
On the other hand, the signing of the English midfielder has not helped the future of the Belgian at all, leaving him completely overshadowed. Conor Gallagher has already made his debut with Atlético de Madrid in the first match in which he has been able to enter a squad list . He took advantage of the result against Girona to play the last few minutes and start to adapt to what Simeone needs.
In addition, Pablo Barrios seems to have decided to take a step forward this season and has become a regular starter. Other veteran players such as Koke or Rodrigo de Paul did not leave much room for manoeuvre for Arthur Vermeeren , who was already having a very difficult time. The Belgian has left the Metropolitano , but the Madrid team should look to its squad with an eye to the future.