Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is readying himself for some brilliant news with a player key to his plans going forward ready to sign on the dotted line at Anfield.
The Merseysiders are undergoing what many would see as a below-par season to date. Having already lost six times in 18 Premier League games, they have are already a worrying 10 points adrift of the Champions League places. And Saturday’s 3-0 setback at Brighton has already been branded by Klopp as one of, if not, the, worst defeat of his reign in charge.
Indeed, Liverpool have it all to do if they are to climb the table and enjoy a more consistent second half of the season. They will have to balance their push to climb the Premier League with challenging to go as deep as they can in the Champions League. As it stands, that might represent their best chance to feature in the competition again next season.
To help his squad along their way, Klopp has moved to sign Cody Gakpo from PSV. That deal could top £45m and the Dutchman comes in to add another rich layer to Liverpool’s attack.
And, when all are fit, he will compete with the likes of Luis Diaz, Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino for a start.
With such strong competition for places, some are reporting that Firmino’s time at Anfield may soon draw to a close.
Since signing from Hoffenheim in summer 2015, he has scored 107 goals in 348 appearances. But with his deal due to expire this summer, a host of suitors are readying moves to prise him away.
To that end, recent reports have suggested Firmino could follow Cristiano Ronaldo to Saudi Arabia.
Firmino makes decision on new Liverpool contract
Indeed, the Brazilian could well earn insane amounts of cash by moving to the Middle East and vastly more than what Liverpool could and would pay him.
There is also talk of an emotional return to Brazil, with the club he supported as a boy, Corinthians, also seemingly keen.
However, trusted journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Deutschland, claims Firmino now has a ‘clear tendency’ over his next move.
And he claims Firmino is ready to commit to another two years at Anfield by extending his deal to 2025.
Per Plettenberg, Firmino wants to stay at Anfield and continue playing football at the highest level.
And the 31-year-old has been in excellent form for the Reds this season, proving he’s still got the A-game. Indeed, from 21 games this season, Firmino has nine goals and four assists, underlining his very obvious qualities to Liverpool.
And the news that Firmino is willing to commit will come as an enormous relief for Klopp.
The Reds boss absolutely loves Firmino as a player, calling him the ‘heart and soul of Liverpool’ earlier this year.
His current deal earns the player a reported £180,000 a week. His new arrangement is likely to be on reduced terms with recent talks on an extension said to be ‘positive’.
Now Firmino is seemingly ready to put pen to paper on Merseyside. And a new deal may well be announced soon to end any fleeting talk of a move away this month.
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