Roberto Firmino has 'agreed to join Barcelona' when his contract with Liverpool expires.
Roberto Firmino has opted to quit Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season, with Barcelona rumored to be interested in signing him once the summer transfer window opens.
According to reports, Roberto Firmino has agreed to join Barcelona this summer after rejecting down the opportunity to stay at Liverpool.
The 31-year-old Brazilian attacker has announced that he will leave Anfield when his contract expires in June. Firmino was offered a new contract by the Reds but chose not to prolong his eight-year stint on Merseyside after struggling for consistent game time over the previous two seasons.
Barcelona are thought to have won the race for his signing, with the Mail suggesting that he will join Xavi's side. Barcelona are on set to win their first LaLiga title since 2018 and want to enhance their attack without breaking the bank, as Robert Lewandowski is now their only recognised striker.
Firmino's departure was confirmed in March, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp acknowledging how tough it was to say goodbye to the much-loved 31-year-old. "It was not an easy decision for him," Klopp said after his side defeated archrivals Manchester United 7-0, with Firmino scoring the game-winning goal. "He received an absolutely fantastic reception today."
Fabinho, his club and country teammate, also paid tribute following the victory, telling ESPN Brazil: "Bobby [Firmino] is a very special guy." It's terrific to have him on the squad. He's one of those guys who everyone likes. It was incredibly fantastic that he scored today and celebrated in such a unique way. Everyone on the bench and on the field celebrated with him since he is a popular figure."
Soon after, Firmino's agent, Roger Wittmann, confirmed his client's aspirations, with Italian heavyweights Inter Milan reportedly interested in signing him on a free transfer. "At the moment, I am not talking about the options that are on the table," Wittmann told Calciomercato.
"Roberto is completely focused on finishing the season and helping Liverpool qualify for the Champions League."The intention is that after the club achieves its objectives, Roberto and his family will consider what and where the next challenge would be."
Firmino signed Liverpool in the summer of 2015 as one of former manager Brendan Rodgers' final signings in a £29 million deal from Hoffenheim in Germany. The 55-cap Brazil star has since scored 109 goals in 360 games for Liverpool, helping them win both the Premier League and the Champions League during his stay at Anfield.
Firmino's exit was deemed "good" by Reds star Jamie Carragher, who tweeted: "I do think it's best for all parties." He's a Liverpool legend who was part of one of the best front threes we've seen [together with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane]."
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