Liverpool is reportedly considering terminating Arthur Melo’s loan – just two weeks after he joined the club on a season-long loan.
The Reds signed Arthur, 26, from Juventus on deadline day to ease their midfield woes. Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all suffered injuries this season, leaving them short in that department.
Jurgen Klopp admitted Liverpool needed to sign a central midfielder at the end of the window but was adamant they would only sign the right player. Arthur was brought in as a temporary solution, with Liverpool expected to sign a long-term successor next summer.
Yet it appears the Merseyside club might dip into the market sooner than expected. According to Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Liverpool is considering terminating Arthur’s loan deal in January when they can find a replacement for the Brazil international.
It’s claimed Klopp has seen enough of Arthur and believes he is not the right man for the job. He was left on the bench for Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League win against Ajax on Tuesday after playing the final 13 minutes of their 4-1 defeat to Napoli six days before.
Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly not interested in reintegrating Arthur into his Juventus squad if the loan is canceled, potentially leaving the Brazilian in limbo.
Arthur has struggled to fulfill his potential since he was signed by Barcelona in July 2018. The former Gremio ace was transferred to Juventus in June 2020 but also failed to make an impression in Serie A, playing 42 league games during his two-year spell in Turin.
Juventus confirmed Liverpool has the option to sign Arthur on a permanent basis for £32.4million at the end of the season. The loan fee was £3.9m, although it is not clear whether the Reds are able to cancel the agreement ahead of schedule.
Klopp has urged Liverpool fans to be patient with Arthur over the coming weeks. “Arthur needs now just football – and training, especially, that’s how it is,” said the Reds boss ahead of their humbling defeat to Napoli earlier this month.
He wasn’t in team training at Juve for a while, so he needs proper team training, which is what we’re giving him. Can he get some playing time? Yes. Should he play the entire game? No, because he must become accustomed to the intensity of each competition.
“It’s not like you have to work less in the Champions League than in the Premier League.” Not at all, particularly not here. He’s doing well, he’s giving his all in training; we’ll have to be careful with him as well, and then we’ll see if we can use him.”
Klopp said after signing Arthur: “What does he bring with him? He’s a really good footballer – I think we can all agree on that… he can give rhythm, he’s a really good passer, he has speed with the ball, he’s safe on the ball, and, as I said, he can demand rhythm, which is important, he’s good in tight areas – all of these things. It appeals to me greatly.”
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