AS Roma have completed the signing of Thomas Vermaelen from Barcelona on a season-long loan, with the option to “?make the deal permanent at the end of next season.
The 30-year-old joins the Serie A club after an injury-ravaged two seasons at Spanish Champions Barcelona, in which time he played just 11 times in La Liga.
On Sunday it was reported that “?Vermaelen had travelled to the Italian capital to undergo a medical, which he has since passed.
Earlier in the transfer window the Belgium international was linked with a return to the Premier League with Liverpool, only for ex-Gunners goalkeeper “?Wojciech Szczesny to urge Vermaelen to snub Jurgen Klopp’s side in order to sign for Roma.
Official: Roma sign Thomas Vermaelen on loan from Barcelona with the option to buy. pic.twitter.com/iXGSxZvdf5
The talented central-defender signed for Barcelona in 2014 for £15m, but struggled to reach full-fitness after numerous injury setbacks.
Roma boss Luciano Spalletti was complimentary of his new signing on Sunday, telling “?Sky Sport:
“Vermaelen is a player with experience and quality. He can build the play from the back and has great character. These players are used to playing important European matches.”
The ex-Gunners defender, who has 58 caps for his country, played twice for Belgium at Euro 2016, before eventually being knocked out by Wales in the quarter-finals.
Leave a Reply