Fabrizio Romano says Liverpool have agreed a €37.5M deal - player has agreed to "potential, future" contract" 

Liverpool have reached an agreement with Juventus and Arthur Melo over a potential permanent move to Anfield, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Reds identified the Juventus midfielder as a short-term fix for their current injury issues and, judging by the latest news, he could be around for a longer period than first thought.

Of course, time will tell how he adapts to the Liverpool style of play and English football but this seems a positive step already, given he hasn't played a minute in a Liverpool shirt as of yet.

With Liverpool's midfield requiring some real attention next summer due to contracts, injuries and other factors - Melo's move may not just be a flying visit to Merseyside.

Liverpool to sign Melo?

We know Melo has signed a season-long loan deal, that includes an option to buy - which is set around €37.5M. What we didn't know was that the Reds have already discussed and agreed on a deal in case he is a great fit in this squad.

It would be a fair price and it would be much less than the fee paid for Naby Keita for example, as it takes into account his injury record in recent years, which hasn't been great.

Currently valued at £16.2M, Melo has struggled for regular game time since his big-money move to Barcelona back in 2020 when he was valued markedly higher at £50M.

Since then, his stock has fallen but a move to the most-watched league in the world to play in a top side looking to compete in England and Europe could be the spark needed to help him rediscover his top form which could be a real asset for this Liverpool side.

Could he be a key player?

Given his club experience and Juventus and Barcelona as well as his international experience with Brazil, there's no doubt he can be a key player in midfield for Liverpool.

On paper, his stats tell us he is a midfield controller. This is reflected by him registering in the 93rd and 96th percentiles for passes attempted and passes completed. He also ranks highly for progressive carries and passes as well as pressures.

He can give Liverpool that technical quality in midfield, the type of which that only Thiago can replicate in the current midfield roster. Given how his injuries have played out in recent times, Melo is a welcome addition.

This time next year Liverpool's midfield could look very different with the likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all out of contract, meaning that Melo may well end up being a permanent signing. Although, he may also return to Italy with his tail between his legs if it all goes wrong this year.