Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that talks to extend Roberto Firmino’s contract are underway, and the Reds striker has already responded.
Firmino scored after just six minutes in Liverpool’s rousing 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, the ideal way to prove his worth to the Anfield hierarchy. The 31-year-old Brazilian, who was controversially left out of his country’s World Cup squad, met Andy Robertson’s inviting free-kick with a flicked header that nestled in Southampton goalkeeper Gavin Bauznu’s net.
Although two goals from Darwin Nunez were required after Che Adams quickly equalized for the Saints, there is no doubt that Firmino capitalized on a golden opportunity.
With no first-team game for more than a month, the Reds will be planning their January transfer business and beyond in the coming weeks. Firmino’s future is almost certain to be discussed, with his contract expiring at the end of the season after eight years on Merseyside, having been signed by Brendan Rodgers for £29 million in 2015.
Klopp is eager to lock down his No.9 for the long term, providing a glimpse into early contract talks. “Normal conversations are taking place,” Liverpool manager Klopp confirmed. “So we’ll see what happens over there.”
Klopp also addressed the Brazilian international’s omission from his country’s World Cup squad, calling it “madness” but praising the Selecao’s alternative forwards. “It was definitely a blow,” the German added. “You couldn’t see it in training, but you could definitely see it, it was clear.” To be honest, it was a setback for me. So I’m in the middle; I’m glad we have Bobby for another year, but I think he deserves it; I think he deserves everything in the world to be completely honest. And it demonstrates just how good and talented this Brazil squad is if you can leave a player like Bobby Firmino out, which is insane “We will, of course, talk. We’ve done it before, and we might do it again, but he’s fine. Everyone can imagine his disappointment, but that’s all there is to it.
Firmino did most of his talking on the field during Saturday’s win, but he has previously committed his future to Anfield with some telling comments. When speaking to TNT Sports Brasil in July, the ex-Hoffenheim star confirmed: “I adore this team, this city, and its supporters. I’ve arrived. Of course, I want to stay.”
The possibility of a Liverpool takeover may complicate matters, but Firmino has a compelling case to stay.