Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reckons that Roberto Firmino will benefit from penning a new long-term deal at Anfield. According to recent reports, the German boss is keen on securing the services of the Brazilian international for the long-run after his scintillating form this season which has seen him score 22 goals in all competitions for the Reds so far.
The 26-year-old’s current deal with the Merseysiders runs until the summer of 2020 and now, some sources are claiming that the five-time European champions have opened negotiations with the forward’s representatives over a contract extension that displays his growing importance at Merseyside. It is also being reported that talks over a new contract offer with Sadio Mane are also underway with the club eager to retain its top players.
Firmino has recently suggested that he wants to spend “many years” at Anfield following the departure of his fellow countryman Phillipe Coutinho to Barcelona in the January transfer window. In a recent interview, Jurgen Klopp revealed that a new contract offer for the Brazilian will benefit both the club and the player and was quoted to have said,
“It is very important for both sides,”
“Everything we are doing, the way we play, the way we give him the opportunity constantly to play, he deserves that. He deserves that because his work rate is outstanding but it helped him a lot to step up.
“He became a different player here. Other teams can say: ‘Hmmm, he’s really good’ but it is not sure they will play the same way and use him as a nine or a 10 or they’ll use him out on the wings. It is never sure but it is important to keep these players who are at a good age and when there is still space for improvement.”
The Reds are currently occupying 2nd place in the Premier League table after securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory at home to Newcastle United on Saturday. The Anfield-based outfit find themselves just above Manchester United, who are in third place with a point separating the two teams at the moment.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s side are a massive 15 points behind league leaders Manchester City. Retaining some of their star players would go a long way in helping them bridge the gap between themselves and the Manchester clubs in the coming years. The likes of Firmino along with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have already shown how good they can be under Jurgen Klopp this season so it only makes sense for Liverpool to retain their services for the long-run.
Firmino has featured in 39 matches for the Reds this season, scoring 22 goals while providing 13 assists in all competitions. At 26, the Brazilian has his peak years ahead of him which Liverpool could look to utilise in the coming seasons as they look to mount a realistic title challenge in the top tier of English football. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Firmino and whether he ends up committing his long-term future to the Reds.
