Roberto Firmino has been linked with a switch to Juventus this summer, but Liverpool have no interest in selling the forward.
The Brazilian international lost his place in Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI last season with Sadio Mané more regularly occupying the centre-forward role.
As such, Firmino made just 20 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last term, only starting 10 of those games.
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And some believed he would thus be moved on this summer if an opportunity to leave arose for the 30-year-old.
But after Mané’s departure, it would appear the forward won’t be going anywhere this summer.
That’s according to the Liverpool Echo, who claim Firmino remains a highly valued member of the Liverpool squad despite his reduced role.
And this season, he could become more important to the Reds.
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In Darwin Nuñez, Liverpool have an exciting, but raw talent who could take a while to acclimatise to the high demands of the Premier League.
He’s shown glimpses of quality during pre-season, scoring four goals against RB Leipzig on Thursday, but has also struggled on occasion against the likes of Manchester United and Crystal Palace.
And as such, there may be period this term where he’ll need to be brought out of the team at Liverpool.
In such circumstances, Roberto Firmino will be needed to play the more withdrawn centre-forward role he has performed so well over the years at Anfield.
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Liverpool do have a decision to make regarding his contract though.
The Brazilian is out of contract next summer and it is unclear whether Liverpool will look to renew his current deal.
Firmino is a club legend and it’d break the hearts of many a Reds fan to see another of Klopp’s famous front three depart following Mané’s exit.
But Liverpool do find themselves in the midst of a squad refresh with many of their notorious stars ageing, and next summer may be the best time for a parting of ways.
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For the time being though, Firmino won’t be going anywhere.
Topics: Liverpool, Roberto Firmino