Written by James Cranford – @jamescranford89
Liverpool got back to winning ways in the Champions League this week, their 7-1 demolition of Rangers proving a tonic ahead of Sunday’s clash with Manchester City. One of the star performers so far this season in a red shirt has been Roberto Firmino. The bright-toothed Brazilian is behind only the machine-like Erling Håland in terms of goal involvements across all competitions. Firmino’s contract expires at the end of the season, and on the latest episode of our Journo Insight Show, we asked goal.com’s Neil Jones for his opinion on whether Bobby was likely to extend his stay at Anfield.
Neil said:
“Is he playing for a new contract? I wonder just how sustainable it is. This game was obviously a bit of everything that we see from him – big goals, and ridiculous assists. I don’t why he did it, but I’m glad he did! I really am glad he did! I love him. I think he’s brilliant. When he does leave whether it’s next summer, or it’s two years, or three years, I think that will be the one that will cut Jürgen the most. Maybe that might be the key factor. He’s not that old. It’s not a case of he’s 37 and can we just give him an extra one-year deal? I think he’s going to need a two, or three-year contract. Jürgen might be the one that says, ‘Look, he’s still got a massive role to play in my team,’ and if he’s playing like this the case is stronger and stronger, isn’t it? It’s just over two months away from him being able to speak to clubs. He could have an offer and Liverpool think, ‘Well, we’re not going to match that, a three-year contract on that much money a week, we’re not going to commit to that, thanks for everything and on your way.’ My gut feeling would be that he will leave at the end of the season with a real farewell of a hero, but I think if Klopp had his way, I think that wouldn’t happen.”
Redmen Reacts
Bobby is one of those rare players that manages to be both a Liverpool legend and a cult hero at the same time. His recent increase in goal output has been heartening to see, with a few lethal finishes thrown into the mix for good measure. The club will have to ascertain whether his recent goalscoring form is merely temporary, or if it is worth keeping him for at least a few more years. At 31, Firmino is far from finished, but with accusations of Jürgen Klopp being too blindly loyal to certain players mounting, perhaps this summer should be the time to say goodbye to Bobby and focus on the future. If this is to be ‘the Last Dance’ for Firmino, he will certainly be going out with a bang if he keeps up his current form.
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