He was able to return, the player who influenced Athur's non-return to Barcelona

Arthur Melo was a name that was heard a lot around FC Barcelona last season, creating expectations of his possible return to the culé club. The reason behind this possibility was the interest of the then coach, Xavi Hernández, in having players with good ball handling and quick adaptation. Franck Kessié's initial problems had caused concern in the team.

The return of the Brazilian midfielder was proposed as an emergency measure in the last winter market by the Barça club. With the winter market approaching, the possibility of hiring the Brazilian, who belongs to Juventus Turin, arose as long as Liverpool were willing to give up his services during his loan.

Xavi sought to strengthen the team with an attacking midfielder, with good technique and assistance and also with a right back who could play as a center back. For the midfield, he looked at a footballer who knew the club and who did not play much on his team. He liked the Brazilian, who was at Liverpool at the time and now has good minutes at Fiorentina.

The chances of Arthur returning were reduced after a decisive talk between Xavi and the then captain, Sergio Busquets, as explained in the Barça Confidencial podcast on Catalunya Ràdio. Busquets did not question the midfielder's football qualities, but highlighted the non-sporting problems that Arthur had during his first stage in Barcelona. He warned about the danger that his presence could negatively affect a dressing room that had many young players.

The player who influenced his not returning to the club

Busquets' words had an influence, but they were not the main reason for the technical office to decide not to sign Arthur Melo in the middle of the season. At the end of October, the Brazilian was seriously injured and had to undergo surgery, which made Barcelona understand that it would take the player between four and five months to recover and play again. This situation made the option of Arthur Melo's return completely unfeasible at that time.