With his contract expiring this summer, Roberto Firmino is now said to have informed Jurgen Klopp that he will be leaving Liverpool.
After eight years at the club, it had previously been reported that the Brazilian had held “positive” talks with the Reds regarding a renewal.
But according to Sky Germany‘s Florian Plettenberg, a reliable source of transfer news and a journalist with links to Firmino’s agency, the forward has now decided to leave the club.
Firmino is said to have informed Klopp of his decision on Friday after “a good talk” with the Liverpool boss.
? Excl. News #Firmino: He will LEAVE Liverpool after 8 years! It’s decided! The player has informed #Klopp personally & today. It was a good talk. He won’t extend his contract. He will leave the club as a free agent in summer.
??????? with #LFC so far! @SkySportDE ?? pic.twitter.com/zaeGV2ThzY
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 3, 2023
Plettenberg also added that Firmino “wants to make another step with his family,” but is yet to decide on his next club.
??News #Firmino: It was very important for him to inform Klopp after the training session today & personally. He made clear to the coach that he will fight for @LFC until the end! He wants to make another step with his family. He has not yet chosen a new club! #LFC @SkySportDE ?? pic.twitter.com/SZLTprTyyD
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) March 3, 2023
Klopp has previously made clear that he wanted Firmino to extend his contract with the Reds, outlining earlier in the year that he felt the January arrival of Cody Gakpo would have no impact on the future of Liverpool’s No. 9.
But with no new contract agreed, it seems Firmino has taken the decision to move on, with links to clubs in the Middle East and in Italy in recent months.
How Firmino’s departure will impact Liverpool’s transfer business this summer remains to be seen, with Klopp admitting that “changes” are on the horizon at the end of the season.
The priority will be new midfielders, with some believing at least one new centre-back will be added to the ranks, but Klopp may feel an additional attacker is needed if Firmino is to move on.
Having first joined the Reds in 2015, Firmino has won eight trophies in his time at Anfield.
Naby Keita is among the other Liverpool players expected to leave upon the expiration of his contract this summer, with Adrian, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also possibly leaving on frees.
Update: This news has now been confirmed by a host of Merseyside based reporters. Fans have been paying tribute.
Fan Comments