According to Fabrizio Romano, the rumours that Liverpool are looking to get rid of Arthur Melo in January are not true and the club are happy with his progression so far.
The Reds decided to make a big move on deadline day after a number of serious injuries to their midfield depleted their options by bringing in Brazilian ace Arthur Melo on a year-long loan deal with an option to make it permanent in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp’s side needed to bring in the Juventus outcast due to injuries to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson, and Curtis Jones, but it was rumoured the club were already looking to get rid of him in January, despite not making Premier League appearance yet.
However, luckily for Arthur and the Liverpool midfield, Romano revealed on his YouTube channel that these rumours are in fact false and Klopp is happy with the work he is putting in during training since he joined.
Romano said, “We had rumours coming from Italy saying that Arthur Melo is prepared to go back to Juventus in January that Liverpool are not happy with him. Guys, from what I’m told, on player side, on Liverpool side, this is absolutely not true.
“At the moment Liverpool know that Arthur needs some time to be 100 per cent fit. He is fit but he needs to be in the best condition. So, he needs some time he’s training hard to be at the best level as soon as possible…
“So, it’s not an easy situation, but he’s working on it. Jurgen Klopp is happy with the work that he’s doing in training and so at the moment there is no plan to send Arthur back to Juventus in January.” (1:09)
TIF Thoughts on Arthur Melo…
While Liverpool have midfield problems right now, it is hard to see how Arthur Melo is going to be the answer considering he has not played so far this season and has been underwhelming since he joined Juventus.
The Brazilian has managed 63 appearances for the Old Lady but only managed one goal and one assist this time. He also currently ranks in the 84th percentile for progressive carries per game, but he ranks in the 24th percentile for shot-creating actions.
It also does not get much better on the defensive side of the ball as he ranks in the 18th percentile for interceptions, 11th for clearances, and 10th for aerial duels compared to other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.
Despite this, it would be irresponsible for Liverpool to send Arthur back before he has stepped onto a Premier League pitch and with their thin options at the position. Keeping him, for now, is a win/win, they haven’t paid for him and he can be an extra body if they need him for rotation. The smart option is to keep him, which they are looking to do.
Was Arthur a good signing?Yes
No
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