Liverpool could now lose Roberto Firmino to Barcelona as the Spanish giants consider a move for the Jürgen Klopp favourite.
What’s the story?
Well, the Brazil international’s Liverpool contract expires at the end of the season, and Barcelona are believed to be monitoring his situation – according to the Daily Mail.
Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Sao Paolo are also said to be interested in signing Firmino, although the South American is leaning towards a stay at Anfield as he eyes a contract extension.
Al-Nassr, who have just completed the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo, also want the Liverpool No.9 in Saudi Arabia.
It comes after Jose Enrique tipped Firmino to follow in the footsteps of Sadio Mane and leave Liverpool following the arrival of Cody Gakpo in a £35m deal from PSV Eindhoven.
The Spaniard – who made 99 appearances for Liverpool – said: “I believe this means this is the end of Firmino with us. It happened when we signed Luis Díaz with Mane. I believe it’s going to be the same this time with Gakpo and Firmino.”
Firmino has missed the last three Premier League games due to injury, although he was arguably Liverpool’s best player in the first half of the campaign.
The 31-year-old has scored seven goals, while also providing three assists, in just 13 Premier League appearances so far this term.
Liverpool should offload Firmino to Barcelona
If Barcelona, or any of the other interested parties, make Liverpool an offer this month, we believe Liverpool should consider it.
One major criticism of Klopp’s reign at Anfield is that the German can be too loyal to his players, even after they have gone beyond their sell-by date.
Liverpool must be ruthless in the market, and freshen up their ageing players with a bit more urgency than they currently are.
Firmino will be 32 this year, and it would make financial sense for Liverpool to recoup some cash for their No.9 this month rather than lose him for nothing at the end of the season.
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