Former Arsenal player Ray Parlour has suggested that Liverpool have taken a gamble by signing Brazilian Roberto Firmino.
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast Show for talkSPORT that he feels Liverpool’s move for Roberto Firmino is a gamble.
The club confirmed a deal for the Brazilian yesterday, which the BBC has claimed is in the region of £29 million as manager Brendan Rodgers adds another talented attacker to his squad for the new season.
While suggesting the move was a risk for Liverpool, Parlour also told talkSPORT that he feels it’s one that the Reds simply had to take.
“Look, I think it’s a big gamble by them but you have to take gambles sometimes in football – It will be interesting to see how he does,” he said.
“He gives them options – I can see him playing just in behind.”
Why is it a gamble?
It’s arguably a gamble because of the reported fee, which could have been used by Rodgers to target more than one player in other areas of the squad.
It’s a big commitment for the club to make with regards to a player coming from an arguably weaker club in a division where the football isn’t anywhere near as competitive as it is in England.
It could also be considered a gamble considering the importance of Philippe Coutinho, unless Rodgers intends to use Firmino at the very top of his attack.
Why isn’t it a gamble?
One of the best things about this deal for Liverpool is Firmino’s versatility.
He provides a good option as a playmaker and he’s also got experience of having played through the middle of an attack as a striker.
Liverpool could also still make an accumulative profit stacking this deal up against selling Raheem Sterling to Manchester City.
The Daily Mail claims that Manchester City could pay £50 million for Sterling, which could leave Liverpool with Firmino in the bank with change to spare.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
