Atletico sign midfielder Vermeeren from Antwerp

Atletico Madrid announced the signing of central midfielder Arthur Vermeeren from Royal Antwerp on Friday for a reported €25 million until 2030.

The 18-year-old has already been capped by the Belgian national team.

"Vermeeren is a new Atletico player after the deal with Antwerp for his transfer, for the rest of the season and six further campaigns," wrote Atletico in a statement.

😍 Vermeeren 1️⃣8️⃣#WelcomeVermeeren pic.twitter.com/Te8pxkmxB6

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) January 26, 2024

Vermeeren scored in Antwerp's Champions League group stage win over Spanish champions Barcelona and has captained the club.

Atletico are struggling in LaLiga this season, sitting fourth, 11 points behind leaders Girona, but reached the Copa del Rey semifinals by beating Sevilla on Thursday.

The Rojiblancos brought in Romanian international goalkeeper Horatiu Moldovan from Rapid Bucharest earlier in the January transfer window and sold reserve goalkeeper Ivo Grbic to Sheffield United.