Everton open talks with Belgian international Thomas Vermaelen
By Paul Taylor
Everton are reportedly prepared to make an offer for Thomas Vermaelen, as long as the defender can provide some guarantee in respect of his fitness.
Last week, we reviewed an excellent piece by the Echo, offering eight potential options for Everton to consider, who could play on the left side of the defence. Of the eight, we were particularly intrigued by Thomas Vermaelen, so offered our reasoning on why the Blues should make a move for him.
Well, we can only assume Everton regularly visit our website*, if the latest speculation is anything to go by. According to an article from the Echo‘s Joe Rimmer, the Blues have opened talks with Vermaelen, about a move to Goodison Park. (*We trust you know we are joking.)
Rimmer writes that the news was first reported by Spanish Newspaper Mundo Deportivo. However, it should be noted Everton are not prepared to make an official offer just yet.
The reasoning behind this relates to concerns about Vermaelen’s injury issues in recent seasons. The Blues would like some guarantee in respect of his fitness, before committing further.
We touched on the 31-year-old’s injury problems in our article last week. Since joining Barcelona three seasons ago, he has only made 21 appearances for them.
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Things didn’t go much better for Vermaelen last season, when he joined Roma on loan. He only played 12 games for the Italian side, who have decided against picking up their option to sign him on a permanent deal.
Evertonains are familiar with the Belgian international, from his time with Arsenal. In that respect, he apparently favours a move back to the Premier League, as he looks to get his career back on track.
West Bromwich Albion are said to be interested in signing Vermaelen, who still has two years left on his current deal with Barcelona. However, you imagine he would prefer a move to Merseyside, as the Blues prepare for their assault on a top four spot.
Overall, it sounds as if Everton are taking a very cautious/smart approach in respect of the product of Ajax’s youth academy. In that respect, as long as he is healthy, they should definitely make an offer for him, as his extensive experience playing at the top level around Europe could prove invaluable.
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What’s your position in respect of Vermaelen? Providing his healthy, would you sign him? Or would you still prefer the Blues look elsewhere to strengthen their defence? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.