Firmino has stated that he intends to leave Liverpool when his contract at Anfield expires this summer. The Liverpool forward is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer after putting a full stop to his Anfield journey.
El Nacional reports that Los Blancos are interested in signing the Brazilian striker on a Bosman, a transaction similar to their 1999 purchase of Reds star Steve McManaman, who also rejected new terms with Liverpool.
The claims will be disappointing for manager Jurgen Klopp and his coaching team. The Merseyside club is thought to be eager to persuade Firmino to stay for at least another year.
The 31-year-old has lost some of the energy that made him such a crucial part in Klopp’s gegenpressing style, but he still possesses the intelligence and calmness to cause issues to the top teams.
Liverpool will have to let Firmino go
Liverpool are now in a transitional period, and having one of the worst seasons under the German. The Reds are sitting eighth in the Premier League rankings and possibly missing out on Champions League action next season.
Klopp’s team has been chastised all year for their lack of dynamism, with an old roster in serious need of replacement. Fans are urging the German coach to let some of his long-serving players go in order to make room for the next generation.
However, Klopp is reported to be wary of dismantling his group too rapidly, and he sees Firmino as a crucial dressing room figure whose performance levels could relieve pressure on incoming players.
The Reds manager has already seen crucial player Sadio Mane go in 2021 and is reluctant to lose another member of the once-feared Mane-Firmino-Salah triangle.
Real Madrid sees Firmino as a cheap option who can give them some time while they look for their new long-term No.9. Karim Benzema is 35 years old and, despite regularly stunning performances in the Champions League, he cannot continue indefinitely.
The Spanish giants are still hoping to lure Kylian Mbappe to the Bernabeu, but realise it could take a few years. Bobby could be the ideal interim hire.
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