Liverpool have an option to buy new loan signing Arthur Melo permanently next summer if he impresses this season, according to journalist James Pearce.
The Lowdown: Reds complete Arthur swoop
Jurgen Klopp was desperately in need of a new midfielder on deadline day and it ended up being a signing out of left field, with Arthur joining on loan from Juventus.
The 26-year-old hasn’t quite hit the heights expected of him at both Juve and Barcelona but the hope is that he will be a different animal under Klopp at Anfield.
There was a feeling from some that the signing was a panic buy but a fresh update gives it a different complexion.
The Latest: Option to buy confirmed
Taking to Twitter late on Thursday evening, Pearce confirmed that there is an option to buy Arthur at the end of the season for around £32m:
“Juventus statement says loan fee for Arthur is €4.5m and #LFC have option to buy for €37.5m next summer. Earlier had looked like just being a straight loan.”
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The Verdict: Makes move more sensible
This is so much better than simply signing Arthur on loan and then letting him leave next summer, with the Brazilian now having a major incentive to impress.
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It would be harsh to say that he could just down tools otherwise but if a player knows he is leaving imminently, the same level of hunger and drive may not be there.
The hope is that Arthur comes in and reaches his potential – he is a 22-time capped Brazil international – proving to be the hero who eases Liverpool’s growing injury crisis and earning a permanent move in 2023 in the process.