Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Arthur Melo will return to Juventus at the end of the 2022-23 season following an enormously underwhelming loan spell at Anfield.
The Brazilian midfielder has registered just one competitive appearance for the Merseysiders since making a temporary switch from Turin at the start of September.
Arthur appeared for just 13 minutes of Liverpool’s Champions League group stage game against Napoli at the Maradona a few days after his signing was confirmed, but has not featured in the first team since.
He did manage two lots of 90 minutes in the Premier League 2 while playing for the youth team during his recovery period, as well as an appearance for the U21s in their 1-0 loss against Rochdale in the EFL Trophy.
The loan deal cost Liverpool an initial €4.5m fee, plus their share of his €5m annual salary, but they have unsurprisingly decided against activating the €37.5m option to buy clause in his contract.
While speaking about Arthur’s imminent exit, Klopp thanked the on-loan Bianconero for his professionalism during his spell in England.
“I would like to wish the best to Arthur as his loan period comes to an end,” Klopp said, continuing: “His professionalism and ability were clear to all who worked with him.”