THOMAS VERMAELEN HAS followed Andres Iniesta and David Villa to J.League club Vissel Kobe following the expiry of his contact with Barcelona.

The Japanese side announced the signing of their fourth former Barca player as the clubs, who were preparing to face each other in a pre-season match today, moved to formalise their growing links.

Ahead of the friendly encounter, La Liga champions Barca and Vissel Kobe announced the agreement of a knowledge-sharing partnership spanning marketing, commercial and staff management practices.

Scouting reports will also be shared and young players will have the opportunity to move between the clubs for training experience.

Vissel Kobe are owned by e-commerce company Rakuten, Barca’s shirt sponsor and “main global partner” since 2017.

Iniesta left Camp Nou for the J.League in 2018 and has since been joined by former team-mates Villa and Sergi Samper.

Belgium international Vermaelen is the latest beneficiary of the link following Barcelona’s decision not to renew his deal for a sixth season.

“When I came here, I had a very warm welcome and a lot of support,” former Arsenal player Vermaelen said upon signing for his new club. “I can’t wait to start. I’m excited about it. I would like to do my best to improve the team.”

Barca’s clash with Vissel Kobe is their second pre-season outing, Ernesto Valverde’s men having lost 2-1 to Chelsea earlier this week.

The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!