Liverpool sign Brazil midfielder Arthur Melo on season-long loan from Juventus

Liverpool were left scrambling for a midfielder after last night’s win against Newcastle and the Brazil international was identified as a short-term solution

Jamie Braidwood
Friday 02 September 2022 11:13 BST
Comments
FILE: Liverpool to sign Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on loan - reports

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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 €4.5m loan fee, while the deal is subject to international clearance.

Jurgen Klopp’s crisis in midfield escalated following the 2-1 win over Newcastle on Wednesday night, with captain Jordan Henderson set to undergo scans on a hamstring injury that could sideline him for three weeks.

The Liverpool manager had already admitted he had been wrong in not signing a midfielder earlier in the window, with injuries to Thiago Alcantara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain having further limited his options.

Arthur, who had fallen down the pecking order at Juventus, was identified as a short-term solution and The Independent’s Miguel Delaney reports the loan deal does not include an obligation to buy next summer.

However, Liverpool retain the option to make the signing permanent if they choose. A statement from Juventus revealed there is a €37.5m clause which Liverpool can trigger next summer.

Arthur told Liverpool’s website: “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.”

Arthur was a substitute in Liverpool’s famous 4-0 comeback win over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-finals and added: “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.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in