Liverpool are already considering the possibility of terminating new signing Arthur Melo’s loan deal early.
That’s according to Tuttomercatoweb, who claim that the 26-year-old is not seen to be ‘at the level expected’ by those at Liverpool. As a result, the Reds are reportedly ‘not afraid’ to let him leave in January.
It’s claimed that this may only happen if Jurgen Klopp manages to bring in a new midfielder in the winter window. According to this report, that’s something Liverpool are actively looking to do.
Should they achieve it, Arthur’s time on Merseyside will reportedly be cut short. In that scenario, the Brazilian would be on his way back to Juventus. Unfortunately for Arthur, it’s claimed that Juve ‘don’t want him either.’
Liverpool not giving up
To send Arthur back from whence he came in January would seem like a pointless move from Liverpool.
Between then and now, Liverpool have just 13 games scheduled. Given that Arthur hasn’t played properly since the end of last season, it may actually take him most of that time to settle in.
That isn’t anywhere near enough time to assess his suitability for the squad. Liverpool have a decently priced buy fee written into the player’s loan contract, too. If they don’t give Arthur at least the season to prove himself, they’ll miss out on that.
Despite his club apparently not wanting him, the Brazil international clearly has quality. If Liverpool can get him up to speed, he could still be a really useful option.
No rush for Arthur to get up to speed
So far, Arthur has only been available for three matchday squads for Liverpool. He has made all of them, playing just 13 minutes in that time, though.
Looking at the context of the games, though, that’s understandable. His first was a tense Merseyside Derby, the second a dismal defeat in Naples and the third an incredibly tight high-stakes game against Ajax.
As Klopp and the coaching staff look to build Arthur’s familiarity with the playing style of his new club, these aren’t games to chuck him into.
Instead, the current elongated break should give him chance to bed in with the city and in training. As the former Barcelona man hasn’t been called up for Brazil, he’ should spend most of the break at the AXA.
Hopefully once the football resumes in October, he’s ready to show everyone why he’s here for the long-haul. Or for the season at the very least.
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