Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino looks set to be heading to Italy with Juventus.
Italian newspaper Corriere Dello Sport has reported: that Juventus:
"Are now very close to the Brazilian from Liverpool. The Reds striker can really be the surprise coup to define a super department with (Angel) Di Maria and (Dusan) Vlahovic.Juve’s assault would be based on an offer worth 19 million pounds, over 22 million euros."
Firmino is in the final year of his contract, so this offer may be tempting for Liverpool to avoid him leaving on a free transfer at the end of next season.
Is it Time for Firmino to Leave Liverpool?
The Brazilian has been key to Liverpool’s success since he arrived from Hoffenheim in 2015. He has helped them win the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup, Super Cup, and Club World Cup.
Firmino has scored 98 goals and made 74 assists in 327 matches for the Merseyside club. It may feel like an end of an era for Liverpool fans with Sadio Mane joining Bayern Munch this summer. However, they can be pleased that Mohamed Salah has committed to the club with a new contract.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have also signed Darwin Nunez from Benfica. Nunez’s arrival at the club may be a key factor in why the time might be right for him to move on, as his game time may be limited. Firmino made just 20 appearances in the Premier League last season, less than all his other seasons at the club where his league appearances have been in the 30s.
🇮🇹 Italian media have suggested that the club have agreed a £19M fee with Liverpool for Roberto Firmino
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) July 28, 2022
[via:@jaydmharris] pic.twitter.com/uZlJeJYgFN
What Will he Offer Juventus
Juventus already have a star-studded lineup and a potential front three of Di Maria, Vlahovic, and Firmino, which would surely create fear into the hearts of Serie A defenders next season.
He can play as a striker and in an attacking midfield role, so his versatility would be great for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.
The Brazilian has scored goals wherever he has been with eight goals in 38 appearances for his first club Figueirense FC, 49 in 153 appearances for Hoffenheim, and 98 for Liverpool.
Having performed well in Brazil, Germany and England he will likely adapt well to playing in Italy.
Firmino Could get Back into the Brazil Squad
Firmino also has 17 goals in 53 appearances for his country. With this year being a World Cup, the player needs to make sure he has sufficient game time to play a part for his country in Qatar.
He has not played for his county since they lost in the final of the Copa America back in July last year. They have a stellar forward line that includes: Neymar, Gabriel Jesus and Vinicius Junior. He has a huge task on his hands to make the squad.
He won the 2019 Copa America with Brazil, where he led their forward line scoring twice and making three assists. He did play for Brazil in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, as his side went on to lose in the quarter-finals against Belgium.
Nothing beats the World Cup though and with the player now 30, this could be his last opportunity of making it to the biggest tournament of them all again.