Royal Antwerp FC is working on a double midfield reinforcement with the arrivals of Arthur Vermeeren and Bahmed Deuff. The 20-year-old Deuff, like Vermeeren, is undergoing his medical on Thursday ahead of a loan move.
The club currently sits ninth in the Jupiler Pro League with seven points from four matches. They have scored ten goals and conceded nine. Their next challenge is an away fixture against Standard Liege on September 5th, a key test in the league campaign.
Bahmed Deuff is a relatively unknown name to the Belgian football public. The defensively-oriented midfielder is of Mauritanian origin and is under contract with French top-flight side FC Nantes. For Deuff, a move to the Bosuil would mark his first experience in Belgian football. Antwerp's plan is to take the player on loan, not to sign him permanently. Negotiations are well advanced.
Arthur Vermeeren needs no introduction at Antwerp. His return to the club where he broke through has long been anticipated and is now very close. His medical tests are taking place concurrently with Deuff's. The arrival of both players would significantly strengthen Antwerp's midfield in one go. The team trails leaders Charleroi by five points and can use the extra quality in the title race. The current standings show how vital every point is.
With these two potential signings, the club is clearly signalling its intent to invest in the centre of the park. The team's recent form has been mixed, with a sequence of LDWW. The arrival of an experienced force like Vermeeren and a young talent like Deuff gives coach Mark van Bomme more options. The squad for upcoming matches, available on the squad page, gains more depth. The first chance to see the new midfielders in action will be the away match against Standard Liege on Saturday, September 5th.
