Done Deal – Liverpool confirm the signing of 18-year-old Colombian U20 international

The transfer window may be over but Liverpool have completed the signing of Anderson Arroyo, the club’s official website have confirmed.

“Liverpool FC can now confirm the completion of the signing of defender Anderson Arroyo, who has immediately moved to Real Mallorca on an 18-month loan deal,” read a statement from the club.

Arroyo is an 18-year-old Colombian U20 international. The Reds signed the teenager from Fortaleza CEIF, where Arroyo has made 22 appearances over three seasons. The Colombian has immediately joined Spanish second division leaders Real Mallorca on an 18-month loan deal.

Arroyo, who is rated highly in his native, impressed Liverpool’s coaching staff during a short trial and agreed to terms on a switch last month, during the transfer window.

The 18-year-old, who can play at right-back or left-back, is known for his attacking prowess. The teenager is Liverpool’s third signing of 2018 so far, following the arrival of Virgil van Dijk of Southampton and Tony Gallacher from Falkirk.

Jurgen Klopp will want his new signing to get regular game time to grow further. Playing away from England and in Spain would help the defender shape up his game before becoming ready for English football. Arroyo is extremely talented, capable of playing on both the flanks with equal ease and composure. A chance to play in the Spanish third tier would be a good opportunity for the defender, who should grab it with both hands.

It was the best possible decision from our club to let the youngster leave for Spain on an 18-month loan. Currently at Liverpool, Arroyo would struggle to get into the first-team, which would affect his rapid development. Klopp would surely not want the Colombian’s progress to stall.

The likes of Alberto Moreno, Andrew Robertson, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been used this season at right-back and left-back respectively. So there was no point in keeping Arroyo at the club when there was no place for him in the team.

Had he stayed with the club, his game time would have been less, which would have hampered his overall development. I am glad we signed the starlet before anyone and sent him out on loan. Let’s hope Arroyo plays well and improves his game at Mallorca before returning to the club in the summer of 2019.