Jurgen Klopp has confirmed Arthur Melo is yet to receive international clearance following his deadline day move to Liverpool, and is unlikely to be able to make his Reds debut in Saturday's Merseyside derby clash away at Everton as a result.
However, the German is hopeful that the Brazilian will be available for his side's Champions League group-stage opener away at Napoli on Wednesday, with the 26-year-old poised to make an early return to Italy.
Arthur joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Juventus following an underwhelming stint in Turin, having also flattered to deceive for Barcelona. But with the Reds boasting an option to sign the Brazil international permanently next year, Klopp believes his latest signing will be a perfect fit at Anfield.
READ MORE: Arthur Melo transfer will force Liverpool to axe senior player from Champions League squad
READ MORE: 'This boy' - Luis Suarez has already provided brutal Arthur Melo verdict ahead of Liverpool deal
"I’m really happy about this transfer," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday. "My information is the international clearance will not happen until tomorrow. We all hope he will be fine for Napoli.
"What does he bring? He’s a really good footballer, I think we all agree on that. He’s had a very exciting career already and is still pretty young, actually in the best age for a footballer or coming to the best age for a footballer.
"He gives rhythm, he’s a really good passer, he has speed with the ball, he’s safe on the ball and can demand rhythm which is really important. Really good in tight areas, all these kind of things. I like it a lot.
"Why can you loan a player like this? Because it didn’t work out 100% at Juventus. I see that as a positive because the potential is still there. We play differently to Juve and we all thought it could fit pretty well so that’s why I’m pretty pleased."
READ NEXT
