As one of the most beloved players in he recent history of Liverpool, Roberto Firmino is one that fans will remember forever. Known for his outstanding flair and his ability to run the game from deep, Firmino is a truly unique talent. Ever since the Reds won the 2019 UEFA Champions League, though, ‘Bobby’ Firmino has not quite looked the same. Diminishing returns have become commonplace, with it being some time since Firmino was a first-class starter for the club.
Indeed, the arrival of Diogo Jota and then Luis Diaz pushed him down the pecking order significantly. Now, it sounds like the forward might be heading for the exit door at Anfield – heading to Juventus. With Sadio Mane already moving on, this feels like a summer where everything is changing. Gone is the first great Jurgen Klopp side – now, fans will be hoping this is the beginning of the second generation.
Firmino, wasted by former coach Brendan Rodgers during the death throes of his reign, has been a revelation under Klopp. Alongside Mane and Mo Salah, they formed arguably the most unique and devastating front three in football at the time. Today, though, the Brazilian suffers from a lack of goal return and from inconsistency game to game. Throw in regular injury woes, too, and it has been a long time since Firmino was at his best in red.
As such, an exit might suit all parties – and it might give Liverpool the chance to sign another attacking option. The loss of Firmino, though, would be hard for the club to move on from. Ever since his first games under Klopp, it was clear the Brazilian was made to play for the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
Now, though, he might be moving on.
Replacement demanded if Firmino goes
Recently, Klopp made clear that without outgoings that Liverpool were finished for the summer. Firmino leaving would clear as much as £9m per year off the wage bill, and deposit a healthy sum of money into the clubs bank account. This could then be used to sign a new player, perhaps someone younger who could fill the substitute and rotational role that Firmino has for the last few years.
One name being tentatively linked would be Jarrod Bowen, though it is expected the fee would be too high. Another option would be for Klopp to trust the youth movement and instead spread out the Firmino minutes to the likes of Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones, and new hire Fabio Carvalho. Kaide Gordon impressed at times last year, too, and could be seen as one who could get more game time.
Fans, though, would expect a first-team ready signing to arrive if Firmino leaves. Given how well Klopp has bought and replaced talent, there should not be much fear that a positive move would be made. For now, though, fans can only wait to see what comes next. If this is the end of Firmino, at the very least we hope he gets a positive reception and a send-off after being such a vital cog in the rebirth of Liverpool as a competitive football club.
