Transfer Centre

Arthur agent rules out January Liverpool exit

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 19 December 2022

The agent of Liverpool loanee Arthur rules out the possibility of the Brazilian midfielder returning to Juventus during the January transfer window.

The agent of Liverpool loanee Arthur has ruled out the prospect of the Brazilian midfielder returning to Juventus in January.

Liverpool moved quickly to strike a deadline-day deal for Arthur, who arrived at Anfield on a season-long loan with an option to buy in the summer of 2023.

The former Barcelona man spent his earliest days on Merseyside building up his match fitness, and he made his debut as a substitute in a 4-1 Champions League loss to Napoli on September 7.

Arthur then made two starts for Liverpool's Under-21s in the EFL Trophy and Premier League 2, while making the bench for top-flight clashes with Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion.

However, the South American then suffered a fresh injury setback as he sustained a serious thigh issue, which he was forced to undergo surgery on back in October, and he has been sidelined ever since.

Juventus' Arthur Melo in action in November 2021 © Reuters

Arthur is aiming for a return to action in the New Year, but there have been suggestions that Liverpool could send him back to Turin during the winter transfer window.

The Juventus man's agent Federico Pastorello has ruled out the possibility of an early return to Italy, though, telling Tuttomercatoweb: "[Arthur will] stay 100% at Liverpool in January.

"It's an aspect that has never been under discussion, I don't know who questioned the rumours about his possible return to Turin, but it's not like that, absolutely. It's not foreseen in the contract and there's no possibility because no one has questioned his permanence: neither Liverpool nor the player.

"As for next season, the current one ends and then we'll see: there's no a real right of redemption but obviously by continuing Allegri at Juve a solution will have to be found."

Arthur played just 13 senior minutes for Liverpool before sustaining his thigh injury, but Pastorello has revealed that the midfielder is progressing well in his rehabilitation and could return to action quicker than expected.

Jurgen Klopp in charge of Liverpool on December 11, 2022 © Reuters

"He is a determined boy and proof of this is the fact that he is forging ahead to get back on the pitch, he is three weeks ahead of his schedule," Pastorello added. "He has recovered 30% earlier than expected and he should be ready for what is the start of the new championship."

Arthur could be one of four midfielders to wave their goodbyes to Liverpool next year, as Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out of contract in 2023.

Jurgen Klopp's side will likely spend big on a new lynchpin next year, and they remain interested in deals for Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham and Benfica's Enzo Fernandez.

A move for Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat has also been mooted, and the World Cup semi-finalist would apparently prefer a move to Anfield over Tottenham Hotspur.

Liverpool are back in action following the World Cup on Thursday night, as Manchester City lie in wait for the fourth round of the EFL Cup at the Etihad Stadium.