Thomas Vermaelen hints at January exit

Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen has all but confirmed that he will be leaving Camp Nou in the January window.

The 31-year-old returned to the club after the loan spell with AS Roma, but he has not been in Ernesto Valverde’s first team plans.

Having only once made the matchday squad this term, Vermaelen is aware he will have to leave in search of first team football.

The problem is that Spanish regulations forbid foreign players from representing the reserve sides, meaning first team football will be hard to come by.

“I do not play and I am, therefore, in a difficult situation,” the centre-back explained to La Derniere Heure.

“I will decide my future in January.”

The Belgium international only managed 11 La Liga appearances in three years at the club and everything suggests he will be leaving in the winter.