Neither Salah nor Alexander Arnold, the Liverpool player who is officially leaving

Liverpool has announced its first move in the January transfer market with the permanent transfer of goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga to Fluminense. The young Brazilian goalkeeper, who never played an official match with Liverpool's first team, returns to his country to join the club where he began his career.

A Return Home:

Pitaluga, 22, signed for Liverpool in 2020 from Fluminense for a fee close to $2.5 million. However, his time at Anfield was limited to training and call-ups, without ever debuting in official competition. Despite being included in the first-team squad on seven occasions, Pitaluga failed to secure a place in Liverpool's goal.

Unsuccessful Loan Spells:

During his stay in England, Pitaluga was loaned to several clubs in search of playing time and experience. He represented Macclesfield FC, St Patrick's Athletic, and, most recently, Scottish side Livingston. His most notable loan spell was at Macclesfield, where he contributed to the club's promotion from the eighth tier under the management of sporting director Robbie Savage. However, his loan spells at St Patrick's and Livingston were not as successful. At the Irish club, he lost his starting place after making several errors, while in Scotland he did not get any opportunities to play in the league.

Liverpool's Statement:

In an official statement, Liverpool confirmed the transfer: "Goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga has agreed a permanent transfer from Liverpool to former club Fluminense, subject to international clearance. The Brazilian departs the Reds after a spell of more than four years, during which time he was named in the senior matchday squad on seven occasions. During his time with the club, Pitaluga also represented Macclesfield FC, St Patrick's Athletic and, most recently, Livingston on loan. He will now return to home-country club Fluminense, the side he began his career with before joining Liverpool. Everybody at LFC wishes Marcelo the best of luck for the future."

Liverpool's Goalkeeping Future:

Pitaluga's departure does not pose a problem for Liverpool's goalkeeping department, which has a solid group of goalkeepers. Alisson Becker remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, while Caoimhin Kelleher continues to be his backup. In addition, the club has young goalkeepers Vitezslav Jaros and Harvey Davies, and with the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer.

A New Beginning for Pitaluga:

Pitaluga now returns to Fluminense to begin a new chapter in his career. The goalkeeper will have the opportunity to play in his country and demonstrate the talent that led him to sign for Liverpool in 2020. His new team is preparing to start the 2025 season this weekend against Sampaio Correa.

In summary:

• Liverpool confirms the permanent transfer of Marcelo Pitaluga to Fluminense.
• The Brazilian goalkeeper returns to his country after four years at Anfield without making a first-team appearance.
• Pitaluga was loaned to several clubs, with a notable loan spell at Macclesfield.
• Liverpool maintains a good group of goalkeepers after Pitaluga's departure.
• Pitaluga will begin a new stage at Fluminense.