Jose Enrique has labelled Liverpool’s signing of Arthur Melo as a ‘panic loan’ - adding that they only signed the midfielder because of Jordan Henderson’s injury.
The Reds brought Arthur to Merseyside on deadline day, agreeing a season-long loan with Juventus which includes an option to buy for £32million. The Brazilian made his debut as a substitute in the 4-1 defeat at Napoli but did not feature against Ajax as he continues to get up to Jurgen Klopp’s required level of fitness.
Liverpool’s midfield has been at the heart of criticism surrounding their slow start to the season, with a host of injuries disrupting the cohesion in the middle of the park. And former Reds full-back Enrique believes one key injury forced the club into signing Arthur in a ‘panic loan’.
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“I saw Arthur Melo at Barcelona and he's a fantastic player with a lot of talent but the reality is that he was a panic loan from Liverpool,” Enrique told Lord Ping . “I don't think Liverpool would've signed a midfielder if Jordan Henderson hadn't been injured.
“I don't think Liverpool have improved their squad in the transfer window - I think it's a weaker squad than they had last season.”
Enrique also spent four seasons at Newcastle United before signing for Liverpool, and the Spaniard was asked about Magpies star Allan Saint-Maximin. The French winger has become a fan-favourite at St James’ Park for his moments of magic, but has been unable to perform at the top level consistently enough to catch the eye of the top clubs.
But Enrique believes that if Saint-Maximin can produce his best performances on a weekly basis, there is no reason why he cannot play likes of Liverpool in the near future.
“With the talent and quality that Allan-Saint Maximin has, he can go as far as he wants in his career,” the former Reds full-back added. “He has to be consistent because that's what he's been lacking.
"When he is in form he can destroy any defender in the world. If he can become consistent, he can play for Liverpool, Many City or anywhere in the world that he wants.”
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