Two separate sources have put Roberto Firmino in line to join a pair of former Man Utd stars at a European heavyweight when leaving Liverpool this summer.
The Reds great, 31, will bring his trophy-laden eight-year stint on Merseyside to a close at season’s end. Firmino has lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup during his time at Anfield. However, all good things must come to an end.
Liverpool are already well stocked in the striker department with Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota capable of filling the void.
As such, the bulk of Liverpool’s business this summer is expected to revolve around revamping their under-strength midfield. Fabrizio Romano also reported additions could come at centre-half and full-back.
However, today’s update regards where Firmino will take his talents to next. As an impending free agent, he’ll not lack for high quality options.
Indeed, speculation he could move to Saudi Arabia has done the rounds, as have links with Real Madrid.
However, two sources have instead pointed to a different challenge in Italy, namely Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Roma’s current centre-forward is Tammy Abraham, though he’s crashed back down to earth this year following a superb maiden campaign in Rome.
Indeed, Abraham notched 27 goals in all competitions last season. With less than two months remaining in the current campaign, he’s way down on just seven strikes this term.
Sky Italia reported in March that Abraham does not have a long-term future in Rome. Both Man Utd and Aston Villa have been linked with bringing him back to England if Chelsea opt against activating their buy-back option worth £68m.
As such, Mourinho would be in need of a new No 9 and two sources have pointed the finger at Firmino.
SportsKeeda (citing a report out of Spain) are the first. The second comes via news from Italy and is cited by the BBC.
Mourinho is understood to have installed Firmino near the top of his striker targets shortlist this summer. The fact he can be signed without having to pay a transfer fee means he could be signed as well as – not instead of – a second frontman.
Firmino could join ex-Man Utd pair and Wijnaldum
If Firmino were to join Roma he’d link up with a pair of ex-Man Utd stars in the form of Chris Smalling and Nemanja Matic.
Smalling has been a revelation since moving to Italy and per Corriere dello Sport, is poised to sign a two-year extension in Rome.
Matic is out of contract at season’s end, though his deal contains an option for an extra 12 months that is performance-related.
Football Italia previously reported it’ll automatically trigger if Matic makes 19 Serie A appearances this term. He’s already featured for Mourinho’s side 28 times, meaning the clause will activate.
Firmino may also be in line to link up with former Liverpool teammate, Georginio Wijnaldum.
The Dutchman is currently on a season-long loan at Roma from PSG and the deal contains an option to buy. Wijnaldum missed around five months of the campaign with a broken leg, though has since made a full recovery and has started Roma’s last six Serie A matches.
