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Thomas Vermaelen has secured his move away from The Emirates, signing a five year deal with Barcelona, the club announced. The Catalans paid £15 million for the services of the Belgian, who put pen to paper today on £80,000-a-week deal.
Vermaelen, a product of the fabled Ajax Amsterdam youth academy, arrived at Arsenal five years back from the Dutch giants with the reputation of being one of the most highly-rated upcoming defenders in Europe.
The Belgian certainly lived up to expectation in his initial years. His brilliant performances resulted in Vermaelen being quickly promoted to the position of the club captaincy and the cornerstone of Arsenal’s back-line.
However, Vermaelen’s demise at North London was equally dramatic. The Gunners’ captain fell out of favour with Arsene Wenger in recent times after delivering a number of inconsistent performances. His six errors at the back last season were the highest for any Premier League player.
With the 28-year old entering his final season at North London, speculation was ripe about where his future would lie. The gossip was even more escalated in recent times when Arsene Wenger refused to assure Vermaelen a future at The Emirates.
Barcelona now gives the Belgian centre-back a clean sheet to revamp his dwindling career and reputation. The Catalans would look to Vermaelen to provide cover for the now departed Carlos Puyol.
Luis Enrique also seems to be determined at revamping Barcelona’s backline which came under immense scrutiny last season. Vermaelen represents Barcelona’s third big name signing at the back this summer, joining Jérémy Mathieu and Marc-André ter Stegen at the Nou Camp.
