Japan is set to be the new home of Thomas Vermaelen.

Marca says Vermaelen is set to join a number of his former Barcelona teammates and become the latest to sign for Japanese side Vissel Kobe.

The Belgian was due to join the side late on Wednesday evening, where he'll be reunited with Andres Iniesta, David Villa and Sergi Samper.

With the signing, CEO of Rakuten and chairmen of Vissel Kobe Hiroski Mikitani, continues his dream of building a mini Barcelona in Japan.

Vermaelen had a year to run on his Barca deal.