Liverpool have rejected a £19.5million Juventus bid for Roberto Firmino, but the Serie A side are reportedly planning to increase their offer.
The Brazilian remains one of the only players still in the Reds team Jurgen Klopp inherited upon his 2015 arrival. But after several seasons at the forefront of the German’s plans, his influence has now waned.
Indeed, Diogo Jota’s 2020 arrival was the first sign of a changing of the guard at Anfield. Luis Diaz was the second sign of a new front three forming.
And new signing Darwin Nunez means Liverpool are once again well-stocked up front – and for the long term.
But it also means Firmino, who turns 31 in October, could be on the way out. He only has a year left on his contract and previous reports have revealed Juventus interest – and that Liverpool were to hold talks with the forward and his camp.
According to TuttoJuve, the Serie A side have acted on their Firmino interest and submitted a €23million (£19.5million) offer for him.
However, Liverpool have rejected the proposal, with Juventus supposedly planning an increased bid.
Liverpool will not stand in Firmino’s way if he does want to leave this summer. The Reds would of course be able to recoup some of the money they paid Hoffenheim for him by doing so.
His best season in front of goal was in 2017/18, when he hit 27 goals in the front three with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
However, he has mostly been known for his industry, pressing and work rate off the ball – helping set chances up for those around him.
Last season, he scored 11 goals and set up five others, but injuries and a struggle for game time meant he only played 35 of Liverpool’s 63-game campaign.
Firmino should stay at Liverpool
Firmino has proved a special player for Liverpool for his contributions in the Klopp era, but his adoration by fans has taken on a new meaning in recent seasons.
While the likes of Jota, Mane, Salah and Diaz – with Nunez set to follow suit – have all had more game time than him, Firmino has not caused a stir.
He is instead happy to make his mark whenever Klopp needs him – and so Liverpool must keep him this summer.
In the battle to firstly ensure a top-four Premier League finish and then eye the title, having depth in the squad is vital.
And having players who are happy to wait for their chance and understand their role in proceedings – who still come up with vital contributions when on the pitch – is a vital asset.