Only 160 minutes played
©IMAGO
After signing Antonio Nusa (19, FC Bruges) and Assan Ouédraogo (18, Schalke), RB Leipzig has secured its third U20 professional this summer. Arthur Vermeeren comes from Atlético Madrid and is expected to strengthen the central midfield. The 19-year-old Belgian will be loaned out, and part of the agreement between the clubs is an obligation to buy, which comes into effect after a certain number of appearances. According to the TV broadcaster “Sky”, the possible transfer fee is 20 million euros. A fee of 3 million euros is also due. Transfermarkt can confirm this.
In January 2024, Atlético signed Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp for 18 million euros and gave him a contract until 2030. Before that, he impressed in the Champions League in particular, scoring one goal and providing two assists in six matches. Since then, the four-time Belgian international has played 160 minutes in five matches for the Rojiblancos. With Conor Gallagher, whom Atlético signed from Chelsea for 42 million euros, Vermeeren faced further competition in his position. In the bid for him, Leipzig beat Bayer Leverkusen and others.
Vermeeren is at home in central midfield, where RB Leipzig will have to do without Xaver Schlager until at least December, who suffered a cruciate ligament tear in the final stretch of the season. It is nothing new that the Saxons sign players who are 20 years old or younger and whose market values subsequently rise. Last summer, Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko and Castello Lukeba were among those brought in. Dominik Szoboszlai and Josko Gvardiol, who left the club in the same transfer window for 160 million euros, moved to the Red Bulls at the age of 19 and 20, respectively, and their market values rose dramatically.
“Arthur has a player profile that we don’t have in the squad yet. He now gives us more highly qualified depth and competition in the team and additional options: Arthur has an excellent overview, calmness on the ball, a high level of game intelligence and a good opening of the game. He is also strong in tackles, dynamic and has enormous stamina. In the discussions we clearly sensed his will and ambition to bring his game onto the pitch in order to achieve our ambitious goals with us,” said sports director Rouven Schröder, commenting on the signing.
