DBasia.news – According widely circulated reports, Japanese club, Vissel Kobe, was interested in recruiting Thomas Vermaelen from Barcelona. Reportedly, they are interested in gathering former Barcelona players.
Barcelona decided not to renew Thomas Vermaelen’s contract. LaLiga champions are not satisfied with the player’s performance as he often entered the treatment room.
Last season, Thomas Vermaelen only appeared in 12 matches in various competitions. One season before, the 33-year-old defender only played 20 matches.
Judging by the current Barcelona squad, Thomas Vermaelen does not have a big chance to enter the main team. Vermaelen is not expected to be able to compete with Clement Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti, Gerard Pique to Jean-Clair Todibo.
However, Thomas Vermaelen did not lose interest. Marca reported, Vissel Kobe wanted to bring the Belgian player.
Vissel Kobe’s journey to getting Thomas Vermaelen is wide open. As the owner of Vissel Kobe, Horoski Mikitani, is the CEO of Rakuten – Barcelona’s main sponsor. No wonder, Mikitani will have a connection to negotiate with Vermaelen.
At present, Vissel Kobe has been strengthened by three former Barcelona players. Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper were part of Thorsten Fink’s squad.
In addition, Vissel Kobe is also inhabited by other European football player alumni, Lukas Podolski and Wellington. The presence of these players has made Vissel Kobe one of the most luxurious squad teams in Japan.
Interestingly, Vissel Kobe and Barcelona will face each other in a friendly match. The match will be held on Saturday (7/27), at Misaki Park Stadium.