Arthur Vermeeren is making the right choice joining Atletico Madrid over a number of Premier League suitors with Manchester United missing out as the Belgium international nears a £22 milion move to the Spanish capital.
That is the view of Franky van der Elst, the Rote Duivels legend giving his view as arguably the most talented Belgian footballer of his generation closes in on a big-money transfer, bringing an end to months of speculation in the process.
Manchester United have been keeping a close eye on Arthur Vermeeren, the 18-year-old named Belgium’s Young Player of the Year after helping Royal Antwerp claim the domestic title for the first time in over half a century (Daily Mail).
Manchester United target is joining Atletico Madrid
United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Barcelona and co appear powerless to prevent the teenager from slipping through their fingers, however. Royan Antwerp coach Mark van Bommel confirmed on Wednesday that Atletico Madrid will be his destination.
And while there are some concerns that Vermeeren will struggle to settle at the Wanda Metropolitano – like Joao Felix, for instance – Van der Elst is convinced that Atletico suits Belgium’s answer to Andres Iniesta better than Erik ten Hag’s troubled Man United side.
“As a fan of the Belgian league, I think it is a shame that he is leaving so quickly, even though I think Atletico is a good club for Vermeeren,” Van der Elst tells Het Belang van Limburg.
“(La Liga) is more tactical. Although he may be tiring at times, Simeone gets the most out of his players. Especially his midfielders.”
“Football is played in Spain. England and Germany seemed, to me, to suit him less,” adds Johan Boskamp, the former Feyenoord midfielder.
“In Spain, the emphasis is more on technique. That suits him perfectly.”
Arthur Vermeern will work under Diego Simeone
While Vermeeran was on United’s radar, there is an expectation that the Red Devils will prioritise fellow teenager Joao Neves instead during INEOS’ first summer at the helm.
Benfica, however, released a statement last week insisting that there are no talks underway with the Old Trafford outfit.
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