Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Real Madrid ponder move for Liverpool star as ‘internal discussions’ take place over bargain deal

Jordan Henderson (L) Roberto Firmino (L) at the Chelsea v Liverpool EPL match, at Stamford Bridge, London, UK on 4th April, 2023.

Real Madrid have been the latest club to throw their hat in the ring over a departing Liverpool star who is now assessing his options for the future.

Roberto Firmino has been an excellent servant for Liverpool over the years. With 110 goals in 361 appearances, he will be sorely missed at Anfield.

The Brazilian forward decided to call it quits on his time in Liverpool as he is set to depart upon his contract expiring in the summer.

Plenty of clubs have been interested, but his next destination has not yet been confirmed. A move to Serie A could be on the cards, with the likes of AC Milan and Juventus interested.

Firmino himself is said to be keen on a move to Barcelona. However, Xavi is instead prioritising a move for Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Barcelona’s La Liga rivals Real Madrid have now seemingly entered the race. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are keen to add some attacking reinforcements to their ranks.

“Roberto Firmino, one of the names considered by Real Madrid — there are no negotiations as of now, just internal discussions about Bobby,” Fabrizio Romano clarified on Twitter.

“He’s one of 4/5 options as new striker; different kind of players in the list.”

Real Madrid already have a core of Brazilian players in their dressing room. Indeed, the likes of Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr and Éder Militao would make Firmino feel at home.

Fabinho opens up on Firmino exit

Fellow Brazilian star Fabinho recently revealed how Firmino’s exit came about. The Liverpool midfielder told all in a recent interview.

“This season, we were always asking him when he would sign a new contract: ‘come on, we want you to sign and stay with us.’ We didn’t expect him to go,” said Fabinho.

“He’s 31 years old so he has a lot to do. He can still play his best football at that age, he’s young.

“We didn’t expect this decision to be made but he had to go and sometimes we saw that he was not happy because of the injuries as well. He’s someone who usually doesn’t get injured and he struggled a little bit with the injuries.

“We already know he won’t stay, it was an emotional week for all of us and the only thing is I wish the very best for him and his family.”

Even in a season where Firmino hasn’t always been in the starting 11, he has still contributed. Producing 12 goals and five assists isn’t bad going in 1,686 minutes.

His next move remains up in the air as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan all consider offering him a contract.

READ MORE: Departing Liverpool star confirms FSG rift with Klopp, as ‘full agreement’ reached with direct Prem rival