Liverpool could now cancel their loan transfer with Juventus for Arthur Melo and send the Brazil star back in January. Jurgen Klopp will soon decide the midfielder’s future at Anfield.
That is according to ESPN, which reports Liverpool will determine if Arthur can contribute to their efforts this season still. Otherwise, the Reds could explore terminating his transfer from the Bianconeri during the winter window despite them holding an option to buy him in 2023.
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Juventus agreed for Liverpool to get a €37.5m (£33m) purchase clause during negotiations for Arthur’s season-long transfer this August. But the £126k-a-week technician has so far only made one appearance as a substitute. Arthur featured for 13 minutes in September.
Klopp has since been without Arthur following his debut against Napoli in the Champions League. The midfielder tore his quad muscle in training this October and Fabrizio Romano suggests he will not be available before the end of January in order for him to be 100% fit.
So, Liverpool’s decision-makers will soon convene to debate Arthur’s future on loan from Juventus beyond the January transfer window. If Klopp gives the green light to cancelling the midfielder’s loan, the Reds may then send the 22-cap Brazil international back to Italy.
Liverpool may cancel Arthur’s transfer after more U21 than senior games
Klopp was seldom able to consider utilising Arthur more often prior to the Goiania native’s injury. The former Barcelona star only made the bench for two Premier League games and two Champions League group stage ties. So, he played more often in the Reds’ Under-21s.
Arthur featured twice for the Merseyside outfit’s development side over the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy. He started as Barry Lewtas’ youngsters beat Leicester City in the PL2. But he also suffered a 1-0 loss at League Two side Rochdale AFC in the EFL Trophy.
Not being able to feature for Klopp until the end of January could now cost Arthur any sort of future at Liverpool. The Reds might look fondly at terminating his loan terms if the funds allocated to the Bianconeri loanee can be better put towards a player who will contribute.
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