Barcelona Showing Interest In Signing Roberto Firmino From Liverpool

It has been reported that Barcelona is contemplating making a bid for Liverpool midfielder Roberto Firmino, with the club willing to trade the Brazilian for a fee of €20 million.

Several reports, including one from El Nacional, claim that Liverpool is willing to trade star striker Roberto Firmino during the summer transfer window. Barcelona is ready to take advantage of the situation by making a move for him.

Having joined Liverpool from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2015, Firmino is presently in his sixth season in the Premier League. In his first season in England, the Brazilian struggled to adjust to the Premier League. However, he blossomed under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance and quickly established himself as the team’s first option in the No 9 position.

Roberto Firmino has missed quite a number of games for Liverpool this season

As of now, the 30-year-old has made 309 appearances for Liverpool. He has scored 94 goals and provided an additional 72 assists in the process. Over the last year or so, Firmino’s position as the first-choice striker has been called into doubt as a result of Diogo Jota’s strong performances and his health difficulties. Both of which have hampered Firmino’s ability to play.

Due to injury, Firmino has missed more than ten games so far this season. Also, Jota has taken advantage of the extra opportunity to establish himself as the primary striker. In addition, with the Brazilian international’s contract due to expire in only eighteen months, it is now being said that Klopp is willing to let him go for a cost of just €20 million in the summer transfer window.

La Liga giants Barcelona, who is on the lookout for dependable alternatives in the centre-forward position, have taken notice of this development. While a new striker is set to join the Blaugrana in January, with Hugo Ekitike the latest name to be associated with the club, the Blaugrana are also interested in bringing in a marquee attacker in the summer. They have also been linked with a move for Erling Haaland, according to reports.

Barcelona is in desperate need of a number 9

However, considering the obstacles associated with acquiring the Norwegian international, the Catalan giants would be well to have backup plans. So, Firmino seems to be one of those backup plans at this point.

A striker with a similar profile to Firmino, according to the source, is being sought by Barcelona. This forward should be able to push from the front and be smart in his link-up play with those around him. He is also a regular contributor in front of the goal. The €20 million price tag indicated would, on the other hand, make him a financially realistic alternative for the La Liga heavyweights.

In contrast, it has been reported that Barcelona would consider signing Firmino if his fitness status improves before the season’s end. It remains to be seen if Liverpool is prepared to part ways with the 30-year-old this season. If they are, it will be intriguing to watch whether he ends up making the move to Camp Nou.