Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Roberto Firmino remains essential to his Liverpool side amid interest from Juventus.
Speaking to the media in the FA Community Shield pre-match presser (h/t Mirror), Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has issued an update on the future of Roberto Firmino, who is being linked with a transfer to Juventus.
Firmino has entered the final year of his contract with Liverpool and is yet to pen a new deal. It has given way to speculations that his time at Anfield could be coming to an end, and he will follow in Sadio Mane’s footsteps and leave the club before the transfer window slams shut.
Juventus have emerged as a strong suitor for Firmino, with reports in Italy insisting that the Bianconeri are already in advanced talks with the Brazilian international over a possible switch this summer. It has also been claimed that the Serie A heavyweights have already seen an offer get rejected by Liverpool and are already working on a new proposal to convince the Reds to part ways with Firmino.
However, Jurgen Klopp has provided an update on the former TSG Hoffenheim star’s future at Anfield, stating that Firmino remains ‘essential’ to his plans at Liverpool, thus ruling out an exit for him this summer.
Klopp denies rumours on Firmino set to leave Liverpool: “Bobby is crucial for us, the heart and soul of this team”. ??? #LFC
“Everything looks really good and I am absolutely fine with Firmino. For me, no doubt about his quality, so yes, he is essential for us”. pic.twitter.com/sWUIeWaHJE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 28, 2022
“Bobby is crucial for us, the heart and soul of this team,” the Liverpool manager said. “Everything looks really good and I am absolutely fine. For me, there is no doubt about his quality, so yes, he is essential for us.”
Firmino had fallen down the pecking order towards the back end of the last season, with the likes of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota getting preferred over him, although the Brazilian went through a rough patch with injuries. With Darwin Nunez also now joining Liverpool and the contract situation of the forward, questions are bound to rise.
However, Klopp has put those speculations to bed by confirming that Firmino remains a crucial part of his plans for the team. The Reds are believed to be planning crunch talks with the 30-year-old over his future imminently, which could see him sign a new contract extension.
