New Liverpool signing Arthur Melo has already agreed in principle to become a permanent Red next summer, according to Fabrizio Romano
The Brazilian midfielder, who was once compared to Xavi by Lionel Messi, joined on deadline day after captain Jordan Henderson picked up an injury in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
Melo moved on loan from Juventus, having joined from Barcelona in a bizarre swap deal with Miralem Pjanic in 2020.
The Reds, as written by Juventus in an official communication, have an option to purchase the midfielder for €37.5m next season.
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Romano revealed, however, that Arthur has already agreed on a contract if he were to stay at Anfield beyond 2023.
“Liverpool will have €37.5m buy option clause for Arthur in June, not mandatory – LFC have negotiated with Juve the possibility of paying the clause in two years,” he wrote on Twitter.
“Arthur has already agreed the potential, future contract in case LFC will trigger the clause.”
This shows that Liverpool are potentially planning to keep the player before playing a single minute for the club.
Arthur expressed his delight upon signing for the Reds on Deadline Day, saying to Liverpool’s official website: “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.
“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.
“Liverpool have a wonderful history in football. I’ve played against Liverpool, I know what it feels like to be in the stadium with the fans behind them.
“I was with the opposition and now I’m on the right side so I’m really excited. It’s a massive club with a great manager, great players. As I said before, it’s a dream to be here.”
Arthur will likely make his Reds debut in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday as his new side travel to Napoli.
Chris Stonadge