5 big money flops signed by Barcelona under Bartomeu’s leadership

#4 Thomas Vermaelen (£17.10m from Arsenal)

Injuries have plagued his time in Spain

Brought in the same time as Mathieu and probably for the same reason, the signing of the former Arsenal captain was supposed to be a compliment for the Pique-Mathieu combination.

The Belgian center-back had emerged as one of the better defenders in Europe since he joined Ajax and later on Arsenal.

His aerial strength, agility, tackling ability and organizational skills were immense for the Gunners in his first season at the club. A raft of injuries then curtailed his growth such that Arsene Wenger eagerly accepted Barcelona’s bid.

Vermaelen’s time at Barcelona has been an unending tale of injury woes. A sorry total of 41 matches in a Barcelona shirt tell the story of a player who has never been fit enough for any coach to build with.

Even the most regular of Camp Nou attendees will be hard pressed to name any game in which the 33-year-old has shown exactly why he was bought.