Roberto Firmino news: One Liverpool decision completely ruled out as new theory emerges

Liverpool will not be selling Roberto Firmino in the summer, according to a report – although the forthcoming season could be his last with the club.

Firmino is one of three Liverpool forwards about to enter the final year of their contracts. There has been a lot of focus on whether Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will be staying.

In contrast, Firmino has had to settle for a reduced role this season. However, he remains a firm favourite of Jurgen Klopp. Therefore, it would still be beneficial for the club to keep him.

According to Goal, though, there has been little progress over a potential contract renewal for the Brazilian.

That said, Liverpool want to keep him. In fact, the report claims there is “no chance” he will be sold one year before his contract ends.

The likes of Bayern Munich had been linked with the former Hoffenheim attacker. But Liverpool will be keeping him around into an eighth season at Anfield.

Despite this, there is a recognition that he is in the twilight of his time with the club. He has never made fewer appearances in a Premier League season for Liverpool than he has this season.

Salah and Mane have remained regular starters, but Firmino has suffered from the competition provided by Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

Now 30 years old, Firmino’s days as a frequent starter are drawing to a close. With that in mind, next season could be his final one as a Liverpool player.

Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah contract update

Roberto Firmino contract will be sorted by Liverpool after Mo Salah and Sadio Mane deals are done

The report from Goal suggests Liverpool will let him run down his deal if they cannot agree an extension. He would consequently be able to leave as a free agent in the summer of 2023.

Liverpool paid £36.9million to sign him from Hoffenheim in 2015. He has contributed 98 goals from 325 appearances since then, playing his part in six trophy wins.

Perhaps out of gratitude, Liverpool would seemingly not have much of a problem letting him leave for nothing next year. He could follow in the footsteps of Divock Origi in 2022 and Georginio Wijnaldum in 2021 in leaving as a free agent.

But for now, there will be at least one more season of Firmino for Liverpool fans to enjoy.

State of play revealed for fellow forwards

As for Klopp’s other forwards, Goal confirm Origi is close to joining AC Milan after Klopp made no secret of his forthcoming exit.

Meanwhile, Mane will hold talks over a new contract in the summer, when there will also be focus on Salah. He has a desire to stay and Liverpool want to keep him, but they are yet to reach an agreement.

One of their backup options, Takumi Minamino, could be hard for Liverpool to keep amid a lack of gametime. Inter Milan and Leeds United are named as interested parties by Goal.

Therefore, if all goes to plan for Liverpool, they could continue with a front three of Salah, Mane and Diaz. Firmino and Jota would be more than capable supporting options.

Firmino can still be useful for Liverpool

With the way Jota and Diaz have performed since joining Liverpool in 2020 and 2022 respectively, Firmino’s decrease in starts is understandable.

But as one of the only players to have been at Liverpool longer than Klopp, it is easy to see why his manager still trusts him so much.

Firmino performed a crucial function for Liverpool during the heyday of his combination with Salah and Mane. Although he is no longer the main man to play alongside them, he still has unique qualities within that squad.

After a season disrupted by various injuries, a backup role may now make sense for Firmino.

If he does well enough in it, he could yet earn an extension. But equally, Liverpool could not begrudge him wanting to get his minutes up again.

Given the role he has forged with them over the years, though, the club and player are a good match and continuing together – even if it is just for one more year – makes sense.

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