Done deal – Liverpool agree terms to sign promising 18-year-old Colombian defender

Liverpool are close to signing Colombian left-back Anderson Arroyo. The Reds, who already have Alberto Moreno and Andrew Robertson in that position, are keen to add another left-back to their ranks. Arroyo, 18, is being seen as a perfect fit for Klopp’s Liverpool.

Arroyo is an Independiente del Valle starlet who previously underwent a trial with the Reds. He is now set to move to Merseyside. The 18-year-old has now agreed to terms with Liverpool, according to World Football Index

A work permit will be difficult to secure, meaning the Reds could loan him out initially. The Colombia U20 international made his debut for Fortaleza at the age of 15. The full-back also had a trial with Mallorca in December 2017 and is expected to seal a temporary deal to play for the Spanish Segunda Division B side until he gets the clearance to feature for Liverpool.

Arroyo has notoriously grown up playing at left-back and has also been deployed as a winger on occasion. The 18-year-old is a quick and attacking full-back and despite being right-footed, he can also play on either wing. Arroyo also played regularly for Colombia under-20s at the 2017 South American Championships, where Colombia progressed from their group, but disappointed in the latter stages.

For the under-17 team, he played as a left-back, while for Colombia under-20s, he operated more often on the right. The young Colombian has explosive acceleration and tenacity. He is very quick to get forward, adept at playing the ball, superb in the attack and very solid in defence. With his blistering pace, he has the confidence to beat a marker, play a quick one-two and keeps the ability to put crosses into the box well.

The Reds have identified the player early, observed his progress, brought him over on trial and may have beat a number of clubs by signing him early.

Arroyo could be an exciting signing for us but it is for sure he won’t walk straight into our first-team. If he settles down and gets minutes in Spain, he might become a valuable asset in the near future, given Klopp’s history of managing young stars.

For now, let’s hope Arroyo gets good game time to develop his game before he slots in at Anfield.