A former Liverpool star has declined a move to Everton out of respect for his former club.

Everton’s plans for the January transfer window have encountered a setback as Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has allegedly turned down a move to Goodison Park.

Arthur, who has struggled to secure regular playing time under Thiago Motta at Juventus this season, was a target for Everton to strengthen their midfield. However, his previous association with Liverpool appears to have influenced his decision to reject the move to Everton.

Despite a short and injury-plagued loan spell at Liverpool in the 2022–23 season, Arthur is reportedly fond of the club.

According to sources from Juve FC, his loyalty to Liverpool was the key reason behind his refusal, leaving Everton disappointed and Juventus facing difficulties in finding a potential buyer for the 28-year-old.

Arthur moved to Juventus from Barcelona in 2020 as part of a swap deal with Miralem Pjanić. Though he showed early promise, injuries and inconsistency have since reduced his role.

Loan stints at Liverpool and Fiorentina failed to rejuvenate his career, and he has not made any appearances for Juventus in competitive matches this season.

With his contract running until 2026, Juventus is eager to offload Arthur in January to free up financial resources. Although Everton’s interest seemed like a good fit, Arthur’s decision now forces the club to look for alternative options.

Arthur’s brief tenure at Liverpool was overshadowed by injuries, with his only appearance coming in a Champions League group-stage match. Despite the limited time on the pitch, he is said to have developed a strong connection with the club, influencing his choice to turn down Everton.

For Everton, this rejection is a significant blow as they look to strengthen their squad for improved Premier League performance. Meanwhile, Juventus must now work harder to find a club willing to meet Arthur’s salary and transfer demands.