Sports
LIVERPOOL have signed Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo on loan until the end of the season.
The Brazil international, 26, made 31 appearances for Juventus last term but has not played in this campaign.
“I’m really happy to be here wearing this great shirt with this famous badge that represents so much in world football. It’s a dream,” Arthur said.
Juventus say there is a 4.5m euro (£3.9m) loan fee and 37.5m euro (£32.4m) option to buy.
“I’m really happy and highly motivated to continue living my dream on the pitch and giving my all in a Liverpool shirt,” added Arthur.
Capped 22 times by Brazil, Arthur lifted the Copa America in 2019 alongside current Reds goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Roberto Firmino.
Like another compatriot Fabinho, he is viewed as a player capable of occupying a deeper midfield role and will not restrict the pathway of youngsters Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones.
Arthur’s arrival at Anfield helps ease Liverpool’s current injury problems in midfield.
Reds captain Jordan Henderson was substituted after picking up a hamstring injury during Wednesday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says the 32-year-old will “definitely not be available” for the Merseyside derby against Everton on Saturday.
Henderson joins Thiago Alcantara, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on the list of injured Reds midfielders.
Deal makes ‘perfect sense’ – analysis
Ian Kennedy, BBC Radio Merseyside
Liverpool’s move for Arthur Melo seems to make perfect sense. He’s Brazilian for a start – that always helps – and he’ll fit in nicely with compatriots already in the Anfield dressing room.
But, more importantly, he’s experienced at the top level, he’s good on the ball, a good passer and seems to be able to play different roles in the midfield area. Holding, playmaker, box to box, all that.
With Jordan Henderson the latest injury worry, a new midfielder may be necessary although Jurgen Klopp said it had to be the RIGHT player.
Perhaps Liverpool have found him.
-BBC sport
KN
Tags: ALEX Oxlade-Chamberlain Arthur Melo Juventus Liverpool Naby Keita Thiago Alcantara
