LAFC announced today that it has acquired goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer from Feyenoord of the Dutch Eredivisie using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). Vermeer, 34, will occupy an international spot on the Club’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
“Kenneth is an experienced goalkeeper with an impressive track record of competing at the highest levels throughout his career,” said LAFC EVP & General Manager John Thorrington. “We are confident that he will immediately fortify our goalkeeping core, and we look forward to welcoming him to the City of Los Angeles.”
Following a 15-year career in the Netherlands’ top flight, which includes over 280 appearances across all competitions for Ajax, Feyenoord and Willem II, Vermeer will join the Black & Gold as the Club continues its preparations ahead of its third campaign.
This past season, Vermeer played in 16 of Feyenoord’s 18 league matches, posting a 8-3-6 record and helping the team secure a spot in the Europa League qualifiers. He appeared in all four qualifying matches, earning three shutouts, before seeing action in four of the six Europa League Group G contests. In all, the 34-year-old played in 25 out of a possible 29 matches in 2019, logging 2,250 minutes in net.
During six seasons with Feyenoord, Vermeer posted 40 shutouts in 133 matches, including appearances in the Europa League and Champions League. He led the team to the Eredivisie title in 2016-17, the KNVB Cup in 2015-16 and a pair of Johan Cruyff Shields (2017-18).
He also spent a brief loan stint during the 2017-18 campaign with Belgium’s Club Brugge, posting a 3-1-3 record in league and postseason matches, while helping the side secure its 15th Jupiler Pro League title.
Vermeer made his professional debut during the 2006-07 UEFA Cup for Dutch side Ajax, playing 45 minutes of the 4-0 victory over IK Start. He spent the following season at Willem II Tilburg, playing in 16 of the team’s 34 league matches, before returning to Ajax ahead of the 2008-09 campaign.
While at Ajax, Vermeer played in 103 league matches, nine UEFA Cup games, four Europa League games, and 13 Champions League contests, registering 50 shutouts in just under 12,300 minutes. He won four consecutive Eredivisie titles from 2010-14, the KNVB Cup in 2009-10, and the Johan Cruyff Shield in 2013.
Internationally, Vermeer has five caps for the Netherlands senior side, making his debut in a 0-0 draw against Germany on November 14, 2012. The following year, he shut out Estonia and Romania during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He also represented his country at all youth levels, winning the UEFA European U-21 Championship in 2006 and 2007.
TRANSACTION: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) acquires goalkeeper Kenneth Vermeer from Feyenoord using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM). Vermeer will occupy an international spot on the Club’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P1 Visa.
VITALS:
Full Name: Kenneth Vermeer
Position: Goalkeeper
Born: 01/10/1986
Height: 6-0
Weight: 175 lbs.
Birthplace: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Last Club: Feyenoord Rotterdam
Citizenship: Netherlands
Instagram: @kennethvermeer
