 Later in the 2011-12 season, he played a key role in reaching second place in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord, securing a spot in the third qualifying round of the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League.On 15 July 2012, Feyenoord confirmed that Vlaar had travelled to Birmingham to hold talks with Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert with a view to a possible transfer.During Villa's pre-season tour of the United States, however, Vlaar admitted that the deal was off and he would remain with Feyenoord.