Pete O’Rourke believes that Jurgen Klopp will be demanding that a new deal is discussed for long-serving forward Roberto Firmino.
The Lowdown: Forward Options
Liverpool haven’t enjoyed the best start to the season this year and have struggled both defensively and in the attack, the club are 12 points adrift in the league and endured a damning defeat to Napoli in the Champions League. However, one man who hasn’t seemed to suffer from this poor bout of form is Firmino – the Brazilian has managed eight goals and four assists so far this season.
Unfortunately, the rest of the squad haven’t all fared as well, there haven been poor performances and injury issues galore. In the attacking area of the pitch one big layoff came courtesy of an injury to Diogo Jota, whilst Luis Diaz also suffered a nasty injury against Arsenal leaving him on crutches.
With all of these unfortunate incidents, it would make sense that the Liverpool manager is keen for his prolific number nine to sign on for a new deal.
The Latest: What Has O’Rourke Said
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke outlined:
“We know Jurgen Klopp is a huge fan and admirer of Roberto Firmino as well, so I’m sure he will be asking FSG to sit down and discuss a new deal with Bobby Firmino because they are pretty short upfront as it is so I’m sure they wouldn’t want to see Firmino leave on a free transfer next summer as well.”
The Reds have been in debt so many times to the magical Brazilian that O’Rourke’s comments make a lot of sense – his exit on a free would be a massive blow to both fans and Klopp.
The Verdict: New Deal Priority
While Liverpool do have more pressing issues in the midfield, a new deal for the 31-year-old forward should still be a big priority.
It may seem counterintuitive to some to offer a player over 30 a new deal, but FSG and those against a new deal have to fully understand the value that the 180k-per-week man brings to the club.
The experienced forward has played 343 times for Liverpool and in that time has bagged over a 100 goals while providing 78 assists – these are numbers that are crossing into club legend territory.
It was just this season that Klopp reaffirmed his love for Firmino, hailing him as “fantastic”, providing more evidence that the German will likely be keen to tie his asset down for at least a few more years.
So overall it’s likely that a new deal is on the cards for the Liverpool man, the only obstacle may be FSG and their willingness to offer a new deal, although perhaps they may realise the value and experience that will come by keeping one of the old guard around in ever changing times.
