Barcelona outcast confirms Everton tried to sign him

Matt Stead

Thomas Vermaelen says that Everton failed in a bid to sign him from Barcelona this summer.

Vermaelen joined Barca from Arsenal in summer 2014, but a combination of injuries and a lack of form has seen him struggle in Spain.

The Belgium international has featured 22 times in just over two seasons, and sought to leave the club in the summer.

But Barca insisted that he was needed as back-up at centre-half, and clubs such as Everton were therefore thwarted in their approaches.

“The board told me they needed four centre-backs,” he told Belgian publication DH. “I didn’t have a choice but to stay. Clubs tried until the very last day, like Everton, but it was impossible. I wasn’t even able to negotiate.

“I’m not commenting anymore on my personal situation, the last time I did it, it turned against me.”