Roberto Firmino future: Liverpool learn star’s fate as chances of move to childhood club are assessed
Roberto Firmino is close to a decision over his future as his Liverpool contract enters its final six months and amid claims his boyhood team are exploring a possible deal.
The Brazilian striker – described as the heart and soul of Liverpool by Jurgen Klopp – has been at Anfield since a summer 2015 move from Hoffenheim. And that £29m fee paid by Brendan Rodgers has proved one of the finest pieces of business Liverpool have done in recent times.
Now in his eighth season at Anfield, Firmino has 107 goals to his name from 348 appearances. And despite a flurry of new attacking arrivals at Anfield over the past year, Firmino has arguably never been as important to Liverpool as he is now.
This season alone, Firmino has nine goals and four assists from 19 appearances.
However, his deal at Anfield is due to expire at the end of the season. And, under world football legislation, he is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in just three days time.
As such, a number of clubs have been mentioned as possible suitors for Firmino. Juventus are long-time admirers of the 31-year-old, while Atletico Madrid are also reportedly keeping tabs on his situation.
However, Liverpool remain determined to keep Firmino around and have reportedly offered him a new deal to extend his stay on Merseyside.
According to multiple reports, that offer is for an amount less than the current £180,000 a week deal he earns now.
Liverpool’s prospects of keeping him at Anfield, though, have recently come under threat from a new suitor.
And claims that Corinthians are keen on a deal to sign the experienced attacker could pose the Reds a big problem.
Roberto Firmino future is decided, claims journalist
Indeed, the Sao Paulo side are reportedly the club Firmino supported as a boy growing up in Brazil.
And any approach to lure him back to his homeland would seemingly give the player a serious headache.
However, journalist Jorge Nicola claims that while Corinthians are keen, they are in no position to match Liverpool’s financial offer.
As such, Nicola, via Sport Witness, claims he is ‘bets’ on Firmino staying with Liverpool and signing a renewal at Anfield.
That deal is likely to keep Firmino at the club until summer 2024 – and Liverpool could look to secure a one-year option on that deal.
As such, an announcement over Firmino’s future could be made in the coming weeks.
Klopp’s side have a busy period of games coming up and Firmino will likely continue to play a leading role in the side.
The Reds have brought in Cody Gakpo, who has arrived in a deal that could hit £44m. He will likely come in to play on the left of the attack, with Mohamed Salah off the right and one of Firmino or Darwin Nunez through the middle.
Liverpool will be without Luis Diaz for an extended period, while Portuguese forward Diogo Jota will soon hope to return to training after mising the World Cup.
But their one constant is Firmino and with nine goals to his name, the Brazilian is on track for one of his best-ever goalscoring seasons at Anfield.
