Thomas Vermaelen Joins Roma

Barcelona have confirmed defender Thomas Vermaelen has joined Roma in a season-long loan deal.

The 30-year-old Belgium centre-back travelled to Italy for a medical over the weekend and Barca announced on Monday that a deal had been finalised between the clubs.

He was linked with a move to Liverpoolas well as a surprise return to Arsenal this summer, but Roma were keenest to sign him

A club statement read: “Barcelona and Roma have reached an agreement for the loan of Thomas Vermaelen for the 2016/17 season. The agreement includes an option for Roma to buy the player at the end of that season.”

Vermaelen has had a difficult time at the Nou Camp since joining from Arsenal for £15million in 2014, with injuries limiting him to just 21 games in all competitions.

The former Ajax defender, who signed a five-year contract with the Spanish club, had to wait until the final match of his first season to make his Barca first-team debut after undergoing thigh surgery.

Category: Football