Barcelona director Deco likes 18-year-old prodigy as an option for pivot midfield role

Even though it has been less than a week since the summer transfer window came to a dramatic end, Barcelona sporting director Deco is set to become busy once again as planning for the next phase takes off.

For starters, once he returns from his short vacation, the former midfielder will address the contract renewal of manager Xavi Hernandez.

Another major challenge for the newly-appointed director in the coming months will be to rebuild the bridges between the club administration and Frenkie de Jong’s camp ahead of potential renewal talks.

Beyond that, Deco will also have to start identifying future transfer targets, including reinforcements for the pivot position.

Oriol Romeu has arrived, but he turns 32 later this month and might not be a long-term solution. As such the hunt for a new No. 6 could already be underway, with several options being looked at.

Deco likes Arthur Vermeeren

Indeed, names such as Joao Palhinha and Florentino Luis, both of whom are liked by Deco, are being considered, although their long contracts make any move difficult.

Now, SPORT has thrown in the name of another midfielder as an option for the pivot midfield position, reporting that Barcelona director Deco likes Royal Antwerp teenager Arthur Vermeeren.

The 18-year-old is a player who was recommended by previous director Jordi Cruyff as well and has showcased great promise and potential despite his young age.

Vermeeren has already made 42 appearances for Royal Antwerp, scoring one goal and setting up three more.

The teenager played a part in Royal Antwerp’s Belgian Jupiler Pro League triumph last summer and has also won the Belgian Cup and the Belgian Super Cup with the club.

Barcelona will get a closer look at Antwerp

With Royal Antwerp drawn in the same UEFA Champions League group as Barcelona, Deco, Xavi & co. will get a closer look at Vermeeren when the two teams collide over the coming months.

The Belgian champions will be Barça’s first opponents in the group stage, with the two teams clashing at the Montjuic Stadium later this month, before facing off again in December.

These games could be potential auditions for Vermeeren and strong performances against Barça could convince Deco to go after him.