Barcelona want to sign Roberto Firmino in the summer on a free transfer, but the Liverpool attacker is leaning towards extending his stay.
According to El Chiringuito TV, Roberto Firmino is a target for Barcelona, who want to sign him on a free transfer during the summer. The Brazilian forward is at a crossroads in his career but is reportedly leaning towards extending his stay at Liverpool.
Roberto Firmino finds himself in a strange situation as he has entered the final six months of his contract at Liverpool. The Brazilian has proven to be a solid buy and consistent performer under Jurgen Klopp. He has helped the Reds win the Premier League and Champions League, among other honours.
Speculation regarding his future at the club has been rife since the summer transfer window. However, Klopp has focused on strengthening the attacking side of things in the last few windows. As a result, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have arrived at Anfield during that period.
The Uruguayan’s arrival directly threatened Firmino’s place. But the departure of Sadio Mane kept the Brazilian a relevant force. Moreover, the injuries suffered by Jota and Diaz also played into the Liverpool forward’s hands, but he has proven his worth with consistent performances this season.
๐ฑ"๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ก๐จ ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฒ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐ฬง๐".
๐ด๐ตยกOjo, culรฉ! Informaciรณn de @10JoseAlvarez en #ChiringuitoBarcelona. pic.twitter.com/w9PHmVOfum
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) January 4, 2023
Firmino has nine goals and four assists in 21 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool. Yet his future beyond the current campaign remains in significant doubt, as many clubs circle to understand his availability for a free transfer.
Liverpool have already submitted a contract offer, with Klopp wanting the attacker to remain for the next few seasons. However, if he decides against extending, clubs like Barcelona are already thinking about signing the Brazilian on a free transfer, as he ticks plenty of boxes for the Catalans.
For one, he will arrive on a free transfer, which would prove suitable considering Barcelona’s current financial plight. Secondly, his vast experience at the top level is something Barcelona are looking at closely as they seek a player to deputise for Robert Lewandowski.
Barcelona would remain in serious contention if Firmino is open to a switch, but that may not be the case. The Brazilian is leaning more towards signing an extension with Liverpool than considering moving elsewhere. Nevertheless, it will come as a blow for Barcelona.
Despite the recent arrival of Cody Gakpo, who may end up threatening Firmino’s spot in the Liverpool team, the Brazilian wants to stay and continue challenging at the top. So it is good news for the Reds to see one of their central men staying put. But it is a bitter pill to swallow for Barcelona, who may not have another such player on reasonable economic terms in the market.
