Michael
Liverpool have ended their search for a midfielder with the season-long loan signing of Brazil international Arthur Melo from Juventus.
The 26-year-old completed his medical on deadline day and Liverpool will pay a £3.8million loan fee, while the deal is subject to international clearance. The Reds also have the right to make the transfer permanent next summer for a fee of £32m.
Jurgen Klopp claimed after Wednesday’s win over Newcastle that the arrival of a midfielder was unlikely but the hamstring injury sustained by Jordan Henderson prompted the late move for Arthur.
Arthur signed for Juventus in 2020 as part of the swap deal that took Miralem Pjanic to Barcelona, whom the Brazilian joined for €31m in 2018. But the 26-year-old has found himself out of favour under Massimiliano Allegri and there has been talk of him not suiting how the manager wants the team to play.
The new LFC No.29 has made 63 appearances since joining Juventus from Barcelona in the summer of 2020. He has also featured regularly for the Brazilian national team in recent years – he currently has 22 caps and 1 goal.
Arthur told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m really, really happy to be here wearing this great shirt with this famous badge that represents so much in world football, it’s a dream.
“We talked a lot, and our ideas and visions were a good fit so I’m sure it was the right choice. I’m really happy and highly motivated to continue living my dream on the pitch and giving my all in a Liverpool shirt.
“Liverpool have a wonderful history in football. I’ve played against Liverpool, I know what it feels like to be in the stadium with the fans behind them.
“I was with the opposition and now I’m on the right side so I’m really excited. It’s a massive club with a great manager, great players. As I said before, it’s a dream to be here.”
Welcome to Liverpool Arthur
