Barcelona have received the first formal offer for Thomas Vermaelen, who is available to leave the club this summer. It’s come from Liverpool, who have now made their interest concrete with an offer for the Belgian. The English club won’t pay more than 10 million euros for the centre-back, who cost the club 19 million euros. However, he has hardly played since arriving almost two years ago. For the moment, Barça hope there will be more bids from the Premier League, with West Ham the most likely.

Lluis Miguelsanz

Vermaelen already knows he has to look for a move away due to the limited action he has had at Camp Nou. His first season was a write off due to a long-term injury. He began this season playing, but his participation has diluted as the season has advanced. Barça want to remodel their defence in the summer with the sale of Vermaelen (and possibly Marc Bartra), who has been on the market for several months now.

The Belgian international would prefer to return to the Premier League. It was there where he had good moments with Arsenal and he still has a good reputation. Liverpool got in touch with his representatives weeks ago before making their bid. Chelsea were also linked, although there have been no signs that their interest is genuine yet. West Ham are likely to make an offer, too, while the player’s agent has also been contacted by Turkish clubs. Besiktas want him, but Vermaelen’s first choice is a return to England.