Roberto Firmino has made it clear that when his contract at Anfield expires, he wants to leave Liverpool. The Brazilian will reportedly join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his current terms with the Reds ends.
As per Spanish outlet El Nacional (h/t FourFourTwo), Los Blancos are keen to take the Brazilian striker on a Bosman. The deal mirrors their 1999 capture of Steve McManaman, another Reds favourite who rejected fresh terms at Anfield to move to Madrid.
Jurgen Klopp keen to persuade Firmino to extend his stay at Liverpool
Jürgen Klopp and his coaching staff are very keen on persuading Firmino to stay for at least one more year. Although the 31-year-old has lost some of the stamina, he still retains the intelligence to cause top teams problems.
Liverpool currently stands eighth in the Premier League table. The Merseyside club are likely to miss out on Champions League football next season.
Throughout the year, Klopp’s team has been criticized for their lack of dynamism. According to fans, the team is getting older and desperately needs to be refreshed.
The German coach is under quite some pressure to let some of his veterans leave in order to make way for the next generation.
Klopp still sees Firmino as an important dressing room presence, whose performance levels could keep the incoming players on toes.
After losing a key player like Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich, the Reds boss is reluctant to let another member of the once-feared Mane Firmino Salah trio leave.
Real Madrid sees Firmino as a cheap option that could give them time to look for their next long-term No. 9 player. Despite consistently stunning performances, Karim Benzema cannot continue forever at the age of 35.
The Spanish giants still hope to bring Kylian Mbappe to the Bernabeu. However, Los Blancos do acknowledge that it may take a few years before they can do so.
