FC Barcelona had a quest to find a replacement for the departing Sergio Busquets this summer. The Catalan giants had to end up going for former La Masia talent Oriol Romeu, snatching him up from Girona to take over as a short-term solution to replace Busquets.
Arriving for close to €3 million once Barcelona could not finalize agreements for any other target in that position, Romeu has done well enough for his price tag. However, the Catalan giants are still in search of a long-term solution instead.
The name of Brazilian gem Gabriel Moscardo has gained prominence in recent weeks. However, another name that continues to challenge him and the decision-making process for Barcelona is Royal Antwerp’s Belgian talent, Arthur Vermeeren.
Despite the fact that he failed to put up a performance of any particular notice against Barcelona themselves, the youngster remains motivated. So much so, that in the recent game against Shakhtar Donetsk, he showcased unbelievable potential.
Playing under the European lights can be difficult for any newcomer, but Vermeeren seems to be adjusting just fine. According to a recent report from SPORT, the 18-year-old ended up putting up a display that caught the eyes of not just Barcelona, but many other clubs as well.
In the clash against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Belgian talent provided two assists and became the only Belgian player after Kevin De Bruyne himself to provide such a contribution in a single UEFA Champions League match.
Barcelona will be hoping to finalize a plan for whichever pivot they end up pursuing. With both Moscardo and Vermeeren seen as great prodigies of their respective nations and clubs, it will be a tough decision to make for the long term.
Vermeeren is currently valued at €17 million but Antwerp will likely ask for much more in terms of the final package that Barcelona will end up having to pay. With legends such as Overmars seeing the player as a future great, it is rather hard to argue with the potential that he possesses.
