Thomas Vermalen’s fate would depend on the new manager at the Nou Camp after Serie A side AS Roma rejected a permanent deal for him.
The Belgian was sent on a loan deal from his Spanish employers Barcelona to Roma but he failed to make his mark there.
The loan deal had an option of permanent purchase but Roma have passed on the offer so he would return to Barcelona at the end of the year.
Vermaelen featured just 11 times for Roma, starting six games. Outgoing Barcelona manager Luis Enrique signed the player from Arsenal for £15 million in the summer of 2014. He failed to make the team and injury crises disturbed his effort until he loaned out.
As Enrique leaves this summer, Vermaelen would have an opportunity to impress the new boss. However, as the Catalan side are changing managers they would look at reinforcing the defence so it is unlikely that they would retain the former Gunner. There are already reports that Lionel Messi asked that the management sell off the player.
Vermaelen is an intelligent player with a decent skillset. He proved this at the Emirates Stadium when he was fit but after years upon years of injury crises, he would have to move to a smaller team or where he can manage his concerns better. For now his fate depends on the new manager Barcelona employs.