Man Utd and Newcastle set for transfer battle over €20m wonderkid Vermeeren

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 23 May 2023 09:09 CDT
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Newcastle are both closely monitoring Royal Antwerp’s up-and-coming talent Arthur Vermeeren.

The defensive midfielder celebrated his 18th birthday on 7 February and is rated as one of the biggest talents in Belgian football and his club are said to want €20 million for him.

Under contract until 2026, having just signed a contract extension on 8 February, Vermeeren has only broken into the Antwerp side over the course of the last four months. He made his debut with the first team in the Conference League at the start of the season, while he has been a fixture in the starting XI since a 2-2 draw with Club Brugge in November

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When Vermeeren has played, Antwerp, who are third in Belgium’s top flight, have lost just a single game.

Scouts from some leading clubs have had him on their radar since impressing with Belgium’s Under-17 side in the European Championships in May.

The Daily Mail reports that Man Utd have made their interest for the player known, while Newcastle are among the Premier League clubs who have also been following him.

Vermeeren’s qualities are largely defensive. He excels in terms of his ball-winning and presses very well. He also has a strong mentality and plays the game in a mature manner, despite his young age.

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Van Bommel: Vermeeren is international class

Speaking on Friday, Antwerp head coach Mark van Bommel, himself a defensive midfielder of renown with PSV, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Milan backed Vermeeren to play for Belgium.

“The whole club is very happy with Arthur. I already knew at the first training that he would make minutes. He is doing well, playing top matches every week. His development is going well,” he said.

“I think ‘Tuur’ is capable of playing for Belgium - he wouldn't look out of place in the least. Things can go fast for him, but we shouldn't put any pressure on him. I'm not saying he should be there, but it is possible.

“Arthur has so far adapted smoothly to every step up, so… He has a down-to-earth family, doesn't do crazy things himself. That is already special.”