LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 30, 2015: Melwood Training Ground ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Europa League Group Stage Group B match against FC Sion. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Liverpool confirm signing of 18-year-old Colombian defender Anderson Arroyo

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old Colombian left-back Anderson Arroyo from Fortaleza CEIF, who immediately heads out on loan.

Arroyo emerged as a possible new arrival midway through January, and the Reds included the teenager in their updated squad list on February 2.

Now, the club have announced the deal, with Arroyo departing to join Segunda B side Mallorca in an 18-month loan move.

The youngster is Liverpool’s third signing of 2018 so far, following Virgil van Dijk and Tony Gallacher, who joined from Southampton and Falkirk respectively.

Arroyo is a Colombia U20 international and was previously on trial with the Reds in 2016, as a 16-year-old.

He was already a regular member of the Fortaleza first team, operating at both left- and right-back, as well as further forward on the right flank.

Though he is notable for his attacking quality cutting in onto his natural right foot, Arroyo is also an accomplished defensive full-back.

Much like Allan Rodrigues and Taiwo Awoniyi, Arroyo would be ineligible for a work permit to play in England at present, with his temporary switch to Spain providing him a useful pathway.

Mallorca are currently top of Group 3 of the Spanish third tier, nine points clear of Villarreal B.

Arroyo will train with the Mallorca first team but is largely considered an option for Pepe Galvez’s Mallorca B side at this stage, and his debut could come on February 24 against Manacor.

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