As the Liverpool transfer of Roberto Firmino is jeopardized, Jurgen Klopp is forced to accelerate his exit strategy.
Liverpool's forward line has already seen significant changes this year, with multiple arrivals and departures at Anfield, but Roberto Firmino's future is now in doubt.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may be tempted to speed up the departure of Roberto Firmino as the club faces a transfer battle for a forward who has been on their radar.
As part of their ongoing frontline overhaul, the Reds have identified Rennes forward Martin Terrier as a possible signing. It comes after the Reds confirmed the signing of striker Darwin Nunez, one of Europe's most sought-after strikers, in a deal worth up to £85.5 million this summer.
That agreement came after Liverpool signed Luis Diaz from Porto in January, as the club overhauled two-thirds of their front line. Sadio Mane has left Liverpool for Bayern Munich, while Divock Origi has also left the club, joining Inter Milan this summer.
While Mohamed Salah has signed a new contract with Liverpool, Klopp has had to reinvent his team's attacking lineup due to personnel changes. Firmino's future has remained uncertain, but reports suggest that the Brazilian will be allowed to leave to ensure more first-team football.
Firmino played 20 Premier League games for Liverpool last season as he faded from prominence, falling behind Salah, Diaz, and Diogo Jota in the pecking order - and the arrival of Nunez is likely to limit his first-team opportunities even further.
Terrier, 25, had emerged as a Liverpool transfer target after having his most productive goalscoring season of his career at Rennes, where he netted 21 goals from a wide attacking position. At Anfield, his versatility in attacking positions is thought to be highly valued.
According to a report in L'Equipe, two Premier League rivals, West Ham and Leeds, who are looking for a replacement for Raphinha, who has joined Barcelona, have both expressed interest in the Frenchman. Rennes has set a fee of £34 million (€40 million) for the player. Sevilla, a Spanish club, is also said to be interested.
Liverpool will most likely be forced to make a decision on Terrier, whether to increase their interest in a move for the player or to back down and let others compete for his contract. However, it is unlikely that a move will be made if Firmino remains at Anfield.
The departures of Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, and Takumi Minamino from Liverpool this summer have refined the attacking options at Anfield, but Nunez, Salah, and Diaz are likely to be established starting players in Klopp's strongest team. Firmino's decision is likely to be the most important for the club in the remaining six weeks of the transfer window.
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