Liverpool's recruitment team have been left "embarrassed" by a summer signing and have vowed not to let such a mistake happen again, according to reports.
Back in early September, the Reds completed the highly-anticipated signing of Brazil international Arthur Melo from Juventus on a season-long loan deal.
It was seen as a move to bolster their midfield options ahead of the 2022/23 campaign but the 26-year-old has struggled to break into Jurgen Klopp's first-team plans.
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In fact, after picking up a serious thigh injury that required surgery, Melo has failed to play a single minute of Premier League football this season.
Liverpool paid a loan fee of almost £4 million for the former Barcelona midfielder to Anfield and an option to purchase clause was included in the deal.
But there is 'no chance' that the Reds will activate that clause, according to Football Insider, as he is expected to leave parent club Juventus, who have deemed the player surplus to requirements.
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The same publication also claim the Liverpool recruitment team have been "embarrassed" by the last-minute deal.
Furthermore the Premier League club have vowed not to let such a 'mistake' happen again as they prepare for a summer midfield rebuild.
Melo, who is said to earn £110,000 per week at Liverpool, said it was a "dream" to be at the club when he first arrived.
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“I’m really, really happy to be here wearing this great shirt with this famous badge that represents so much in world football, it’s a dream," he told their official website.
“We talked a lot, and our ideas and visions were a good fit so I’m sure it was the right choice. I’m really happy and highly motivated to continue living my dream on the pitch and giving my all in a Liverpool shirt.”
Unfortunately for the Brazilian, a serious injury issue has scuppered his plans at Anfield.
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Thoughts on the summer signing of Arthur Melo?
Let us know in the comments.
Topics: Liverpool, Premier League, Liverpool Transfer News & Rumours, Jurgen Klopp
Jack Kenmare