Dubious Klopp transfer was sparked by one head-shaking moment, with Liverpool still hopeful they’ve not wasted their time
A summer move Liverpool are yet to reap the rewards from was not as out of the blue as it seemed, with the player’s agent also explaining the one moment that made Jurgen Klopp act.
The Reds limped out of the gate this season, failing to win any of their first three league matches. The impactful loss of Sadio Mane was an obvious excuse, though Jurgen Klopp refused to use it.
Instead, Klopp took umbrage with the lack of intensity – specifically in the press – his side showed. One factor that contributed to Liverpool’s lethargy was their midfield injuries.
Indeed, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita all suffered early-season injuries. But despite that, Klopp maintained his position Liverpool would only sign the right midfielder in the market, not just any old option.
The objective was clear: Liverpool were prepared to wait for Jude Bellingham who they’ve since stormed into the position of favourites to sign. However, waiting has done little for the Reds’ situation right now.
Before the summer window closed, Liverpool and Klopp performed a U-turn and snapped up Juventus’ Arthur Melo on loan.
The Brazilian’s arrival on deadline day took many by surprise, though according to the player’s agent, the Reds’ interest wasn’t out of the blue.
What sparked midfield transfer U-turn?
Arthur’s rep, Federico Pastorello, spoke to TuttoMercatoWeb and also outlined it was Jordan Henderson’s hamstring injury right before deadline day came around that was the final straw for Klopp. At that point, Liverpool simply had to add another body to their ranks.
Since arriving, Arthur has racked up just 13 minutes of action after unfortunately living up to his reputation as an injury-prone player.
His latest setback was a serious thigh injury that required surgery in October. The 26-year-old is expected to return to fitness in late-January.
“The operation in August was born out of the stubbornness to look for something,” Pastorello told TuttomercatoWeb .
“Liverpool had previously given signs of technical approval, but they didn’t have the space.
“We always remained on the spot by monitoring any injuries and other players’ performances: at the same time, we maintained contact with Liverpool’s technical management.
“Then we had some luck over the others’ misfortune: in August Liverpool had to deal with several injuries and on 28/29 August, while we were also negotiating with other clubs because staying at Juventus was the last of the hypotheses, it happens that Henderson gets hurt.
“At that point they called us, it was the penultimate day of the transfer market: Liverpool called us saying they wanted to close the deal and from there we got down to business.
“We left for Liverpool on the last transfer day for visits and signings.”
Arthur’s deal reportedly contains an option to buy worth €37.5m (approx. £32.5m). Varying reports have claimed Liverpool have no intention of triggering it, and some had even speculated the Reds could cut the loan short in January.
However, Klopp has publicly stated Liverpool will do no such thing and with January approaching, there’s been no news suggesting Arthur will return to Turin to begin 2023.
Clearly, Liverpool still retain hope Arthur can contribute in the second half of their season. And with Fabinho among Liverpool’s biggest strugglers this term, he may well be given the chance to prove Liverpool haven’t wasted their time.
