Liverpool are reportedly planning contract talks with Roberto Firmino with his current deal with the Reds set to expire in 2023, according to Mark Ogden.
Anfield Watch cites the ESPN reporter as claiming the Brazilian, as well as Sadio Mane, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah, are set to have talks with the club.
This is interesting for a number of reasons. It’s already been reported elsewhere that Mane, Hendo and Mo are in talks with the club but this is the first suggestion that Firmino will get an extension.
Liverpool’s Portuguese striker Diogo Jota (L) is substituted with Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Roberto Firmino (C) as Liverpool’s Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas looks on during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on August 21, 2021. (Photo by LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP via Getty Images)
The Brazilian will be 30 in October but unlike Salah, isn’t prolific and hasn’t shown recently like Mane that he might rediscover his previous attacking form.
While the former Hoffenheim star has done wonders for Liverpool and isn’t even a central striker, it’s a risky move from the Reds to extend his contract beyond 2023 when he will be 31 especially when there are no guarantees he will be operating at a high level anymore.
Diogo Jota has started the season with two goals in two games and while Jurgen Klopp could still restore Firmino to the starting XI, it does seem like the Portuguese forward will be his first choice striker from now on.
Jota has linked up really well with Mane and Salah and although he doesn’t offer the same defensive work rate that Firmino does, Naby Keita’s presence in the side more than makes up for it at times.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – AUGUST 21: Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates with Naby Keita and team mates after scoring their side’s first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Burnley at Anfield on August 21, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
If Salary Sport are accurate and Firmino earns £180,000 per week, it makes very little sense to retain the Brazilian if he’s going to be on the bench.
That’s a massive amount of money to pay a player not making a big impact on Liverpool’s chances of success.
He’s still a world-class star and has the potential to help the Reds win silverware this season and I think Jota’s form and fitness will force him to play at his very best.
