Liverpool agree to sign defender who trialled with club in 2016

Anderson Arroyo - Image by Rodrigo Buendia/Getty Images

Liverpool are expected to bolster their prospering youth ranks with the addition of Colombian teenager Anderson Arroyo.

The defender is a relatively familiar face on Merseyside having trialled with the U18s in 2016 whilst on their summer tour of Germany.

Arroyo is expected to be immediately sent out on loan, according to South American football journalist Simon Edwards, due to issues over securing a work permit that would allow him to play for the Reds.

The full-back also trialled with Mallorca in December 2017, and is expected to seal a temporary deal to play for the Spanish Segunda División B side until granted clearance to feature for Liverpool.

His arrival represents the healthy turnover cycle in the club’s youth setup, with a number of Neil Critchley’s current U23s seeking seeking loan spells elsewhere and therefore opening space for fresh prospects to come in and hone their craft.

Arroyo will arrive at a promising time for Liverpool’s academy system, evidenced by the dominant seasons being enjoyed by both Critchley’s side and Steven Gerrard’s U18s.

The 18-year-old has notoriously grown up playing at left-back despite being right-footed and has also been deployed as a winger on occasion.

In that respect, U18s left-back and captain Adam Lewis represents Arroyo fiercest competition having been a standout performer under Gerrard so far this season.

Anderson Arroyo – Gesty from Belsende on Vimeo.