The Hard Tackle lists three potential candidates to replace Roberto Firmino, who is all set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
Roberto Firmino will be a free agent in June, and he has decided not to extend his deal at Liverpool. The 31-year-old has been a tremendous servant for the Merseyside club since arriving from Hoffenheim back in 2015.
The Brazilian international has helped his side win every single trophy at the club level, and he has been an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp’s side over the years. The veteran attacker was the glue that held Liverpool together for season after season.
His impending departure will certainly be a disappointing blow for Liverpool, and the Reds will have to replace him adequately at the end of the season. Here at the Hard Tackle, we look at three potential replacements for Firmino.
Marcus Thuram
The Borussia Monchengladbach forward has been in impressive form throughout the campaign, and he has scored 14 goals across all competitions. The 25-year-old Frenchman will be a free agent in the summer, and he could be snapped up on a bargain. He has been linked with a number of clubs, including Chelsea and Manchester United, in recent months.
Liverpool need to add more goals to their side, and Thuram certainly has the quality to make a difference in the final third for the Premier League giants. And considering he is capable of playing across the frontline, he will be a different set to qualities to the table.
The French international is entering his peak years. And working with a world-class manager like Klopp could help him improve further. Signing a player of his ability on a free transfer could prove to be a masterstroke from the Reds.
Thuram has the physical and technical attributes to thrive in English football. And it remains to be seen whether Liverpool can fend off the competition from Chelsea, Manchester United and others and secure his services.
Randal Kolo Muani
Another French international forward who has made quite an impression in the Bundesliga this season. And we have picked another player who has been on the radars of top English clubs, including Manchester United.
The Eintracht Frankfurt forward has 16 goals and 14 assists to his name across all competitions, and he could be a quality long-term replacement for Firmino. The 24-year-old will add goals and creativity to the Liverpool side.
Kolo Muani has a long-term contract with the German club until the summer of 2027 and he is likely to cost a premium. It remains to be seen whether the Reds are prepared to break the bank for him at the end of the season.
The 24-year-old is still quite young and has a lot of room for improvement. A move to England could accelerate his development, and Klopp could nurture him into a complete forward. Like Thuram, Kolo Muani can reprise different roles in the final third. And his versatility can make him a somewhat decent replacement for Firmino at Liverpool.
Marco Asensio
Roberto Firmino is more than just a goalscorer, and Liverpool will have to replace his intelligence, versatility, creativity and link-up play as well. Although Asensio is not a striker, he could prove to be an intelligent addition to the Liverpool attack.
The Spaniard will be a free agent in the summer and he could be snapped up on a bargain. Asensio can operate as a winger on either flank as well as a central attacking midfielder. That makes him an attractive option to replace Firmino at Liverpool.
The 27-year-old knows what it takes to play for a big club that is expected to win trophies every season. He could be the ideal fit for Jurgen Klopp’s attack next season. The Real Madrid ace will add creativity and goals to the side.
His close control, flair and vision will come in handy when it comes to breaking down the deep defences in the Premier League. The Spanish international is at the peak of his career and he will be hoping to make his mark in English football if the move goes through. And considering he will soon be a free agent, Liverpool might find him an attractive option.
