Fabinho hopeful of Firmino transfer U-turn as Liverpool striker considers his options

Liverpool star Fabinho has admitted that he does not want Roberto Firmino to leave the club at the end of his contract this summer - and hopes he stays at Anfield instead.

It was announced last week that the Brazilian forward would depart Anfield after an eight-year spell at the club and move to pastures new.

Firmino is yet to publicly comment on his exit, although manager Jurgen Klopp reacted to the news after Liverpool's 7-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It wasn't an easy decision for Bobby, he's a top guy. The reception he got was absolutely outstanding.

"I think [his goal in the win] was the goal the whole stadium pretty much wanted the most."

Now, Fabinho has reacted to the news - and dropped a comment which suggested that Firmino can hopefully change his mind (quotes via Daily Mirror): "It's great to have him as a team-mate. He's a guy that everyone likes.

"It was really cool that he scored [against United], that he celebrated in that way. Everyone on the bench, on the field, celebrated with him, because he is a guy that everyone likes.

"So he's a guy who, for me, should stay at Liverpool forever, who was very important since my arrival. And I don't want to talk too much about the future. Let's enjoy these last few months that we have of him here.

"I don't know if the situation can still change, but we joke with him a little. But let's enjoy it while we have this player with us because he is a very special guy."

Where could Firmino's next move be?

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Firmino is of interest to at least four or five clubs, who can sign him on a free when his Liverpool deal expires.

They include Saudi Arabian giants Al Nassr, who signed Cristiano Ronaldo in December.

He has added that Inter Milan and Galatasaray could make a move, and that a number of clubs from Major League Soccer have considered attempting to sign the Brazilian in the past.

He explained in his column for CaughtOffside: "MLS clubs, including Atlanta United, have historically considered Firmino, knowing as he hits his early thirties a move may be possible, but even six months ago the feedback they received was he still could extend at Liverpool.

"That tells you Firmino's decision was not made lightly, and now Atlanta have added Giorgos Giakoumakis from Celtic.

"I still think Firmino can go and join a big Champions League club. I am told Atletico Madrid is one to watch."