Arthur Melo had a torrid time at Liverpool last season, which was half expected when he signed for the Reds on loan from Juventus.
The Brazilian had found himself in a multi-year struggle, unable to get out of the downward trend he’d experienced since not long after signing for Barcelona in 2018.
Barcelona battled to secure the midfielder from Gremio, and some of their efforts to do so were controversial. But the Camp Nou side very much wanted the player, and he was heralded as a Barcelona superstar of the future.
However, just as he was starting to build his career with the Blaugrana, the club sold him to Juventus in a transfer so controversial it was the subject of future investigations.
Things didn’t go great at the Turin club, with fitness causing an issue on occasion, and at the end of the summer 2022 transfer window, Arthur was sent to Liverpool.
On loan with Jurgen Klopp’s side for a year, Liverpool had an option to make the move permanent for around €40m, however, that was always unlikely.
Unfortunately, the 27-year-old was only able to make two senior appearances for Liverpool, held back largely by injuries.
His move to Anfield was widely seen as a flop, and in the summer Juventus loaned him to Fiorentina.
And… let’s just say things have changed.
This season, Arthur has managed 29 appearances for La Viola. The Tuscany club have been managing his fitness well and seeking not to push their luck too far.
Fiorentina currently find themselves fourth in Serie A, and the Brazilian has been a big part of that.
His agent Federico Pastorello is obviously thrilled, and is quoted by Tuttosport as saying: I am very happy for Arthur. Last year was a difficult season for him from all points of view. He landed at Liverpool at the end of the transfer window, thus missing the preparation, he then suffered a major injury. Fiorentina were good at seeing the opportunity. Juventus had to cover part of the salary to revive him and today Arthur is maybe the best player in the league.”
The agent continued: “€20m? I’d say (he’s worth) even higher. It (the clause) was put in because it was the right thing to do, then there’s also the issue of salary because it doesn’t fall within the Viola’s budget. But we’re only halfway through the adventure.
“We are focused on continuing like this, then at the end of the season we will draw conclusions. I can only say one thing: Arthur feels great in Florence, even off the pitch the fans welcomed him in an extraordinary way. And this as a former Juventus player, so it was not at all obvious.”
Staging a resurgence like Arthur has isn’t easy and he deserves a lot of credit for doing so. Long may it continue.
