Arsenal & Man Utd target left REGRETTING January transfer

Cameron Smith

• 1 Apr 2024 09:47 BST
• 4 min read

The January transfer window was a major disappointment in regards to big-money moves, with most of Europe’s elite clubs keeping their powder dry ahead of this summer.

Vitor Roque’s €40 million switch to Barcelona was the most expensive deal of the month as the Blaugrana fought off competition to complete a deal for the highly-rated Brazilian forward.

Sacha Boey and Radu Dragusin also moved clubs for relatively large fees, while Paris Saint-Germain sealed the acquisition of Lucas Beraldo. One of the most anticipated transfers of the window, however, was Arthur Vermeeren’s €18m move from Royal Antwerp to Atletico Madrid.

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The Belgium international had starred during Antwerp’s shock title win in 2022-23 and he displayed his full array of talent in the Champions League group stages. Interest from the continent’s biggest clubs soon followed and Premier League duo Manchester United and Arsenal were among his suitors.

However, Atletico Madrid stole a march on their rivals and sealed a deal to sign Vermeeren during the early days of the January window. Unfortunately, the move is yet to work out.

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Arthur Vermeeren’s lack of minutes at Atletico Madrid

Vermeeren, 19, has played just 83 minutes from a possible 1,170 in all competitions since joining Diego Simeone’s side and he has been an unused substitute on eight occasions.

When asked about Vermeeren’s future at Atleti, Simeone recently admitted: “He has adapted with humility and respect to his teammates, from the place he was given. I have no doubt that he will be able to help from the moment we can accompany him and give him the confidence that is needed to have continuity. He needs time, patience.”

“We know he’s a good player, and we know we’re going to need him.”

As a result, it looks as though Vermeeren may have to wait until next season to become a regular at Atletico.

The Belgian wonderkid had most of Europe’s top clubs chasing him before he opted to move to the Wanda Metropolitano and his start to life at Atleti suggests that he may have been better off staying at Antwerp until this summer before deciding who to join.

Joao Felix is one example of a young player who failed to kick on under Simeone and Vermeeren could become the next if he isn’t trusted with regular minutes by the legendary Atletico Madrid boss.

The teenager may not have been rewarded with significant minutes at any top level European club this season, but his move to Atletico was certainly premature and he would’ve been better advised playing another six months of regular football in Belgium before making a calculated decision on which team would best suit his skillset.