According to Spanish football journalist Eduardo Inda, Barcelona are eyeing a move to secure the signature of Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino. In a recent interview with El Chiringuito de Jugones, Inda said, “It’s about Firmino, Liverpool player.
“I already said that Luis Suarez is seen increasingly stubborn and they are considering doing the same operation as Coutinho.
“But I guess at the end of the season, not halfway through.”
If there is any truth to his statement, then it would be a big blow for Liverpool as they cannot afford to lose Firmino at any cost. The Reds have made a fantastic start to their campaign and are currently in a great position to challenge for silverware in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
Firmino’s Rapid Rise Under Klopp’s Tutelage
The Merseyside club has improved a lot defensively this season, but it is their attack which has caught the eye over the past couple of years with the likes of Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah working together to etch their names in the Anfield history books.
Since making a switch from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2015, the Brazilian international has made 157 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 54 times while grabbing 41 assists in all competitions.
What Makes The Brazilian Irreplaceable?
The Brazilian forward is integral to the way Liverpool play football under Jurgen Klopp. He is technically gifted and knows how to create chances for his teammates while also having a keen eye for goal. On his day, Firmino can be a match-winner as evidenced by his recent performance against Paris Saint-Germain when he scored late in the game to help his team come away with maximum points from that contest.
However, it is the Brazilian’s off the ball pressing which often goes unnoticed. The 27-year-old is the one player who leads the charge when the Reds are pressing high up the pitch.
Losing a player of Firmino’s ability will be a massive blow for the Merseyside club. Hence, Klopp should do everything in his power to retain the services of the Brazilian for the long-run.
