From flying start to demotion, Arthur Vermeeren’s slide at OM | OneFootball

Arthur Vermeeren’s fine autumn has given way to a bleak start to 2026 at OM, defined by a 26th minute red card in a 0-2 loss to Nantes and a drop down the pecking order, before Wednesday’s return to face Club Bruges.

According to L'Équipe, he started on 4 January even though Roberto De Zerbi was unhappy with his training week, and was told the day before that he still had the coach’s trust. His rash challenge brought an early dismissal, sparked OM’s worst display of the season, and cost more than a two-match ban.

Suspended against Bayeux, a 9-0 Coupe de France win, and in the Trophée des champions versus PSG, 2-2 then 1-4 on penalties, he travelled to Kuwait to train. He returned at Angers on 17 January, came on only in added time before it became 2-5, then stayed on the bench against Liverpool, 0-3, and Lens, 3-1.

Earlier he had looked settled. De Zerbi first started him for the Champions League’s return to the Vélodrome against Ajax Amsterdam, a 4-0 win on 30 September, his simplicity and vision fitting the plan. Medhi Benatia hinted that, if those conditions held, OM were ready to trigger a €20m option.

In a crowded midfield he later became a regular, though withdrawn at half-time in a 1-2 loss to Sporting Lisbon. The picture is now bleaker, with Darryl Bakola used before him against Lens. Wednesday offers a rare opening, as Quinten Timber is ineligible, Geoffrey Kondogbia was rested and Matt O’Riley is in a similar position. There is no question of breaking O’Riley’s loan, and with Angel Gomes still targeted, winter has been unforgiving for last summer’s midfield arrivals.

Source: L'Équipe