Roberto Firmino is likely to weigh his options after deciding to leave Liverpool and Cristiano Ronaldo has already sent him a very clear message.
Every story must have an end. After almost a decade at the club, Roberto Firmino is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season once his contract expires. Liverpool will be sad when the loyal servant leaves the club that has become a modern legend.
Over his years of service, Firmino has undoubtedly achieved indelible status at Anfield. After winning all he could at the club and partnering Jurgen Klopp from the start, he came to represent one of the most important periods in Liverpool’s long history.
But with Firmino turning 32 in the opening weeks of next season, it’s definitely time to go. He has done everything possible at Liverpool and with the club undergoing a complete rebuild, it is understandable that Firmino would want to take on a new challenge, knowing he no longer represents the future at Anfield.
It will be interesting to see where this new challenge takes him. But it will be important in Liverpool’s interest and in himself that he make the right decision. He may be 32 but as he has shown this season he still has plenty to offer even though he is at his best, with 15 goals in 27 games (just 16.36 in 90 minutes).
It was recently reported that he had attracted interest from Saudi Arabia to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr. So says journalist Ben Jacobs, who told Caught Offside that the Saudi team would be interested in bringing Firmino to the club.
While Firmino would no doubt receive a lucrative offer considering his current age, the Brazilian would be wise to avoid such a move. Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent move to Saudi Arabia has shown that players only join clubs like Al Nassr at the end of their careers.
Ronaldo moved to Al Nassr because most of the European clubs weren’t interested in him. After being released by Manchester United, he seemed to be stepping out of desperation. The fact that, according to Jacobs, Al Nassr is also interested in Sergio Ramos, who will turn 37 in March and is in a similar situation to Ronaldo, should send a clear signal to Firmino.
The Saudi Arabian league may be under development, but currently only those players move there at the end of their careers. This may change in the future. But for now, as long as Firmino has a lot to offer on the European scene, he should stay in Europe.
Jacobs says teams like Bayern Munich and Inter Milan would also be interested in him, and those moves seem more appropriate for Firmino at his current age. They are also moves they should make to Liverpool.
In recent years, Liverpool have built a reputation for selling or letting go of players at the “right time”. The main reason for this is the fact that players have struggled to make an impression at major European clubs after leaving Liverpool.
Roberto Firmino has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. (Image: Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)
Emre Can, for example, struggled at Juventus. Gini Wijnaldum failed to make an impact at PSG and Philippe Coutinho failed to make it at
Barcelona. The jury is unanimous on Sadio Mane at Bayern Munich, but it’s clear that Liverpool need more positive reassurance from their players when they leave the club.
In recent years, the Reds have struggled to sell assets at prices they felt were appropriate, likely because they fell victim to their own success. Clubs are clearly reluctant to invest big money in Liverpool players simply because of their track record after leaving Anfield. Liverpool have ‘Steven Gerrard heir’ second transfer opportunity as Thierry Henry appoints Jude Bellingham
Just look at the example of Taiwo Awoniyi – Liverpool sold him cheap to Union Berlin and the German giants sold him to Nottingham Forest for almost triple a year later. Under other circumstances, that profit could have ended up in Liverpool’s pocket.
More than ever, Liverpool need a positive transfer story and a move from Firmino to Al Nassr would only be an even more negative confirmation of the fate of those leaving the club. Instead, Liverpool should have an interest in seeing the Brazilian flourish elsewhere in Europe, albeit bittersweet.
In the long run, he can give the club a big transfer boost. Liverpool FC
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Liverpool are said to be aggressively looking for a “very powerful” African star Jude Bellingham alternative
Liverpool are still looking for new midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window and Carlos Baleba has been mentioned
The Reds are set to make some big moves during the summer transfer window. Jude Bellingham remains Liverpool’s top priority, although other names have also been mentioned. Matheus Nunes is one of them, and Chelsea’s Mason Mount is often linked with Anfield.
Carlos Baleba
According to 90Min, another new name has joined the race in Carlos Baleba. After getting his big shot, the Lille teenager from Cameroon has been in exceptional form this season in Ligue 1.
According to 90Min, Liverpool are one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Baleba. The Reds are said to be watching the 19-year-old closely as they consider their alternatives in the middle of the park.
Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester United are also said to be interested.
Baleba, who is described as “very strong and muscular” by team-mate Jonathan David, is expected to cost Everton a comparable fee for Amadou Onana. TBR opinion: Liverpool are in desperate need of ready midfielders.
The prospect of Liverpool signing Carlos Baleba is enticing. He seems to be a player with a lot of potential, so it’s no wonder he’s getting a lot of interest.
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However, for the next transfer window, Liverpool’s time could be better spent signing people who can move on immediately. They need a makeover right away and Baleba is a player who needs time to adapt. Of course it makes sense if they can afford it and get Baleba and a few others. However, Liverpool need the Bellinghams and Mounts of the world more than an upcoming Ligue 1 talent right now.
