Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Roberto Firmino thoughts on Liverpool exit emerge, as Juventus temptation distorts Jurgen Klopp plan

Roberto Firmino of Liverpool

A report has detailed what Roberto Firmino thinks about leaving Liverpool this summer, as transfer links with Juventus intensify.

Firmino has scored 98 goals in 327 matches for Liverpool and has helped them win major trophies such as the Champions League and Premier League. He is a favourite of Jurgen Klopp’s and is adored by the Reds faithful, too.

However, the centre-forward’s starting spot at Anfield came under threat following Diogo Jota’s arrival from Wolves. Klopp can now rely on Darwin Nunez up front as well, which means Firmino will spend plenty of time on the bench this season.

Due to Firmino’s footballing intelligence and decent goalscoring record – last term he hit 11 strikes in 35 matches – he is not short of potential suitors.

Clubs from across Europe are thought to be keeping tabs on his situation. While the Brazilian doesn’t offer blistering pace or exceptional strength, he has a habit of making those around him play better. The success of Sadio Mane and Mo Salah on either flank at Liverpool can be partly put down to Firmino.

Juventus have been heavily linked with him in recent months. Fabrizio Romano gave his take on the player’s future earlier this week.

The transfer expert doesn’t think Firmino will leave Anfield this summer. This is because Klopp needs Firmino in his squad for the upcoming campaign, which will be made busier by the Qatar World Cup.

However, Firmino may find a new club next year, when his Liverpool contract expires. While Mane has left for Bayern and Salah has got a new deal, Firmino’s future is still very much up in the air.

Roberto Firmino a target for Juventus

Calciomercato (via Juve FC News) reveal Firmino’s thoughts on a transfer to Juventus. They claim he is ‘open to leaving Liverpool’ and ‘welcomes’ the links with Max Allegri’s team.

Not much detail is given other than that. However, it makes sense that Firmino is relatively happy with the rumours.

He might feel disrespected by his lack of game time last year, after giving so much to Liverpool over the previous successful campaigns.

A bid from Juve would force Liverpool into action. It would either make them offer the 30-year-old a new contract, or let him go and become a first-team regular in Turin.

Moving to Juve would be a good choice for Firmino. The Bianconeri have lost Paulo Dybala, while Alvaro Morata is back at Atletico Madrid after his two-year loan.

Can Liverpool really let go of another forward in Roberto Firmino?

Can Liverpool really let go of another forward in Roberto Firmino?

Should Liverpool be considering letting go of the 30-year-old?

This means there is an obvious spot up front next to Dusan Vlahovic, which Firmino could fill. Clearly, it would be a different system to Klopp’s at Liverpool. But Firmino is versatile and would have the ability to adapt.

Plus, the star has never been at an Italian club before. Prior to joining Liverpool, he spent time at a few Brazilian teams and then German outfit Hoffenheim. So Juve can give him a new experience – playing in Serie A.

Firmino would also need to compete with Moise Kean for a place in attack. However, this is easier than him trying to get ahead of Nunez and Jota in Klopp’s pecking order.

Meanwhile, Liverpool reportedly have serious doubts about signing a La Liga winger after his true price tag came to light.