Vermaelen could be the first player to leave Barça in January

Thomas Vermaelen seems to be further away from Camp Nou than ever. The Belgian is not featuring under Ernesto Valverde and to play regularly he will have to leave Barcelona. Roberto Martinez is giving him minutes with the national team but his continuity there would be in doubt ahead of the World Cup next summer if he doesn't play more at club level. 

The signing of Vermaelen has been one of the most controversial in recent seasons, along with Douglas. The players performances and the fact he missed so many games through injury have not helped him. In Belgium he still has a good reputation and for that reason Anderlecht are ready to commit to his signing. 

The Belgian side have conceded 16 goals at the start of the season and need a defender. Vermaelen would be the ideal candidate given he would adapt to the city and the language and his situation at Barça should allow him to leave. In addition, he needs to play regular football to gain confidence after injury problems and be at 100 percent for the World Cup. 

However, Barça may need to sign a centre-back if Vermaelen leaves. Or, at least, someone would have to come up from the B team as Marlon Santos has been loaned to Nice for two seasons.