Liverpool announced on Thursday, one hour before the transfer deadline, that it has acquired Brazilian midfielder Arthur Melo from Juventus on a season-long loan.
A 37.5 million euro ($37.29 million) option to purchase Arthur exists with Liverpool, according to Juve. Since moving from Barcelona to Turin in 2020, the 26-year-old has made 63 appearances for the team.
According to Arthur, “We spoke a lot, and our thoughts and aspirations were a nice match so I’m convinced it was the correct option.”
“Liverpool have a fantastic football heritage. I’ve played against Liverpool, so I am familiar with what it’s like to have the supporters in the stands supporting you.
“I was on the other side; now that I’m on the good side, I’m incredibly happy. It’s a dream to be a part of this enormous club with a fantastic manager and amazing players.
In order to fulfil their income goal from player sales, Barcelona sold Arthur, a versatile centre midfielder who was once regarded as Xavi Hernandez’s successor, for $71.58 million.
His arrival comes as midfielders Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out with injuries for Liverpool.
With eight points from five games, Liverpool, which is in sixth position, will go to Everton on Saturday.
($1 = 1.0058 euros) (Editing by Ken Ferris; reporting by Rohith Nair from Bengaluru)