OFFICIAL: Atletico sign Arthur Vermeeren

Arthur Vermeeren has a new team. The midfielder, who turns 19 on 7 February, has taken just two seasons as a professional to join one of LaLiga's biggest clubs, Atletico Madrid.

The 'colchonero' team moved quickly in the transfer window, aware of the interest that Vermeeren was attracting from other European clubs. Finally, after days of intensive negotiations, Vermeeren has given his "yes, I do" until 2030.

Although neither Atletico nor Antwerp have given figures of the operation, 'Relevo' claims that his transfer would have been done for 18 million fixed plus 5 million in variables. The Spanish side tried to take him for 15 million, but the Belgian club managed to raise that figure.

With this signing, Atletico now have the '5' they were looking for. In Antwerp, the player has shone for his versatility, showing that he can play as a pivot, but also as an attacking winger.

In the 32 games he has played in this 2023-24 season with Antwerp, Vermeeren has scored 2 goals and provided 6 assists. The high level he has shown this season led him to be on the wish list of several clubs, among them Atletico, who bid the hardest and ended up taking him to the Metropolitano.

The player landed in Madrid on Wednesday and watched, in fact, the Copa del Rey quarter-final between Atletico and Sevilla. Enrique Cerezo, 'colchonero' president, warned before the match that the agreement with Antwerp was not yet closed. After the meeting, negotiations accelerated and this Thursday, both entities have given the good news.

Vermeeren thus joins new arrival Horatiu Moldovan. Moise Kean could be the next to arrive on loan. And, in terms of departures, Javi Galan left on loan to Real Sociedad, although he might not be the only one to leave. Soyuncu is close to leaving for Turkish club Fenerbahce and it remains to be seen whether Angel Correa, who is on the radar of Saudi Arabia, will leave.

 

January 26, 2024