Royal Antwerp FC are on the verge of bringing Arthur Vermeeren back to the Jupiler Pro League. The club is negotiating a loan agreement with RB Leipzig for the 21-year-old midfielder.
The return of the academy product would be a significant boost for a team currently sitting ninth with seven points from four matches. Antwerp have scored ten goals and conceded nine, resulting in a goal difference of plus one. They trail leaders Charleroi by five points. The next fixture is an away match against Standard Liege, who are sixth, on September 5th.
Arthur Vermeeren is a familiar name for the supporters of The Great Old. He played a key role in the championship-winning 2023 season, where the club secured both the league title and the Belgian Cup. His performances led to a transfer worth approximately twenty million euros to Atlético Madrid in January 2024. After a loan spell at Olympique Marseille, where he made 26 appearances in all competitions, he moved to RB Leipzig in 2025.
At the German club, however, he has seen limited playing time this season, which facilitates a departure. Antwerp see an opportunity to temporarily bring back a familiar and talented player. It is reported that a reunion is in the works. The club is exploring the possibilities of bringing the player back to the Bosuil.
Antwerp are not the only party showing interest in the midfielder. Austrian side RB Salzburg have also been monitoring Vermeeren. The Belgian club currently has the best chance of actually securing the player's signature. Negotiations with Leipzig are the most advanced.
The return would provide a boost to Antwerp's midfield ahead of a busy fixtures schedule. The direct competition in the Pro League remains fierce, with Union SG recently winning a Brussels derby and a revelation seen at KRC Genk. A red card was also shown to Club Brugge forward Carlos Forbs, influencing the league's dynamics.
Vermeeren's arrival would add an experienced and technically strong option to the midfield. His knowledge of the club and the league is a major advantage. The coach and technical staff could utilise his qualities immediately in the fight for top positions.
The team is at a crossroads after a mixed start with two wins, one draw, and one loss. Their recent form is LDWW. A reinforcement like Vermeeren could make the difference in the important matches ahead. The task now is to successfully conclude negotiations and integrate the player into the squad.
The immediate focus is on the upcoming away match against Standard Liege on September 5th, 2026, a direct rival in the table.
