Thomas Vermaelen joins Vissel Kobe

Photo credit should read KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images

The defender has swapped clubs

Barcelona have confirmed that defender Thomas Vermaelen has joined Vissel Kobe.

The centre-back becomes the latest ex-Barca player to head to the J-League side, joining Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper at the club.

✍ @thomasvermaelen signs for @visselkobe
Thanks for everything, Thomas and best of luck with your next step in Kobe!
Full story: https://t.co/PwV4CWfVaD pic.twitter.com/1e7HaLVJVN

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 27, 2019

Vermaelen joined Barcelona in 2014 but has been plagued by injury during his time with the Catalan giants.

He played just 53 games in total throughout his Barca career but still ended up winning a host of titles, including the Champions League and four La Liga crowns.

Good luck for the future Thomas Vermaelen!

Source: barcablaugranes.com