Liverpool
Premier League • England
Roberto Firmino Liverpool destiny revealed as reason for delay emerges ahead of crucial compromise
Liverpool are close to determining what the future will hold for Roberto Firmino ahead of the expiry of his current contract, according to a report.
Firmino is currently due to become a free agent at the end of the season, but Liverpool would like to keep him. He has been one of their better players this season, with a respectable nine goals and four assists from 22 appearances.
However, the chance to sign Firmino on a free transfer has caught the attention of several other clubs. Earlier this week, long-term admirers Inter Milan were said to be in contact over a swoop for the Brazil international.
Inter have identified Firmino as a potential replacement for Romelu Lukaku if they do not keep the Chelsea loanee beyond this season.
But an update from FCInterNews will be warmly received by Liverpool, since it is now emerging that Firmino is “destined to stay” on Merseyside.
According to the Italian source, there are ongoing talks between Firmino’s representatives and Liverpool over a contract extension. There is a mutual interest in prolonging Firmino’s spell at Anfield.
Indeed, the player himself has recently commented about how content he is at Liverpool, where he has played since 2015.
The reason it has taken so long for him to reach an agreement about staying there, according to the report, is because of the length of any potential new deal.
Ideally, Firmino wants to sign a three-year contract extension. However, aware that he is now 31 years old, Liverpool have only been willing to offer him another two seasons.
Now, though, a compromise could be reached. Liverpool may get their way by tying him down to a two-year extension, with the option of a third year attached.
Furthermore, Firmino could maintain his current salary of around £180,000 per week. Other suitors like Inter would not be able to compete at those levels.
Roberto Firmino clarity emerges but role might reduce
Whether it is wise for Liverpool to keep paying a big salary to a player who will likely become more of a rotation option than a regular starter in years to come is questionable, in all honesty.
But Jurgen Klopp remains a major admirer of Firmino, who is one of the few players remaining in the Liverpool squad to have been at the club for longer than the manager.
Indeed, 342 of Firmino’s 349 Liverpool appearances to date have come under Klopp’s management. No player has ever been used by the German tactician more, at any of his clubs.
And given that Firmino has rewarded his boss with 107 goals and 78 assists, it is clear to see why Klopp is so fond of the former Hoffenheim man.
Competition for places has increased in his position in recent years. For example, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota could all block Firmino’s pathway to the starting lineup.
But for now, he is still reliable enough, and it will help all parties to have some certainty about what the future holds.