The news of Liverpool agreeing a deal to sign Hoffenheim attacker Roberto Firmino broke on all major English media outlets last night.
The Times reporter Tony Barrett confirmed the news on his Twitter account and then reported . : Liverpool are closing in on a deal to buy Roberto Firmino in a move that would make the Brazil playmaker the second-most expensive signing in the cluba s history. Ian Ayre, the Liverpool chief executive, has travelled to South America to conclude negotiations on the proposed transfer that, if completed, would mean Liverpool paying Hoffenheim in the region of A?29 million to sign Firmino, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United.
BBC’s Ben Smith reported: Firmino is understood to have agreed terms and is set to become Liverpool’s second most expensive signing.
Liverpool are likely to have to pay an initial A?25m fee, with further add ons taking that total nearer A?29m. This will make Firmino the second highest transfer in their history a behind the infamous A?35m signing of Andy Carroll. Adam Lallana is the second most expensive signing till now, with the club having paid Southampton A?25m for his services last season.
Firmino is currently playing for Brazil in the Copa America. He has scored 49 times in 153 appearances for Hoffenheim, and scored the winner for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.
He can play anywhere in the forward line – on the wings, behind a striker and as a striker himself. His addition will give Brendan Rodgers a big boost as he can even carry the striker duty till the time Daniel Sturridge is out with his injury.
But why this deal is even more important for the club is that it has had a placating effect on the fans. After a disappointing season, Liverpool fans have been extremely agitated about the future of their side, which with the signings they had agreed for so far, was looking mediocre. A signing like Firmino’s and the price they are expected to pay for him makes FSG’s ambition and intent clear.
These fan reactions below show that the signing has been taken well and after the woes of last season, Liverpool fans are looking forward to the new season.
With a trio of Coutinho, Firmino, and Kovacic we can forget our top 4 ambitions, and think about the league title instead. #MakeUsDream
a Rodgerholic (@Rodgerholic) June 23, 2015
First time in a long time I have been buzzing with a player we have gone for, Firmino will be a quality signing, Buzzing ?Y Y Y Y a Darren Farley (@DFImpressionist) June 23, 2015
Clyne, Firmino, Bacca. Exactly the type of players that are needed. Would be excellent.
a Jack Sear (@JackSear) June 23, 2015
FSG finally acting nice and quick like we’ve begged for years… Keep it coming boys. #lfc #Firmino a Rob Perry (@Liverpool33fan) June 24, 2015
if it happens this is a signing from Suarez calibre at the time #marquee
a Kali (@MissAndreeva_) June 23, 2015
What a buy Firmino is for Liverpool, for once Rodgers has some sense in him
a a D O M I N I Ca (@domrendles_x) June 24, 2015
