Who is Arthur Vermeeren? The Belgian wonderkid wanted by Man Utd and Newcastle

Robin Bairner

11 Feb 2023 09:44 CST
11 min read

Arthur Vermeeren, Antwerp, -22/23 — © ProShots

The breakout star of the 2022/23 season in Belgium has undoubtedly been Antwerp midfielder Arthur Vermeeren.

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He broke into the starting XI as a 17 year old in the autumn and with a matter of months had made himself an indispensable starter for Mark van Bommel, with the coach suggesting that he should already be involved in the Belgium set up.

Unsurprisingly for a player who has been performing to such a standard, Premier League clubs have taken note of his talent, with Manchester United and Newcastle United among those clubs who have been most closely linked with the teenager.

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What position does Arthur Vermeeren play?

Arthur Vermeeren is a defensive midfielder. He is a traditional No.6, whose style is closest to a holding midfielder, meaning that he typically plays deep and is involved in a great deal of defensive work. He does not tend to do a great deal of work in the attacking third of the park.

How good is Arthur Vermeeren?

Vermeeren has been one of the best performing midfielders in Belgian football this season, which is quite incredible given that he had not played a league match until the middle of October and was only pressed into action because of an injury crisis.

According to data analytic experts SciSports, he is particularly strong in the defensive aspects of the game, offering excellent performance in terms of ball recovery, pressing and defensive positioning.

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Just days after his 18th birthday, head coach Van Bommel was touting him for a call up to the Belgium international team – no slight praise coming from a man who was among the best in the world in the position during his heyday.

“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.”

Vermeeren vs. Jupiler Pro League midfielders

How old is Arthur Vermeeren?

Vermeeren was born on 7 February 2005. He is 18 years old.

When does Arthur Vermeeren’s contract expire?

His current deal with Antwerp expires on 30 June, 2026.

The Belgian club moved quickly to tie him down to an extended deal days after his 18th birthday, with his previous contract having been slated to expire in June 2024.

Who wants to sign Arthur Vermeeren?

Manchester United are believed to have taken the initiative to sign Vermeeren, with reports that they have made contact with the defensive midfielder.

Newcastle are thought to be closely tracking him, too. Several other unnamed Premier League clubs have also taken note of his talents.

Ajax, meanwhile, are credited with an interest in the player.