With Manchester United set to discover the signing of a brand new centre-forward in the summertime switch market - there's one unthinkable acquisition that would simply make excellent sense for Erik ten Hag. Liverpool's 'Bobby dazzler' Roberto Firmino is out of contract in June and has opted towards extending his keep at Anfield, a call he has now communicated to Jurgen Klopp.
Whereas it comes as a shock in some quarters given the integral position he has performed all through Klopp's historic tenure, Liverpool's new-look entrance three of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah maybe supplied vindication for Firmino's resolution on Sunday, once they tore Manchester United to shreds within the 7-0 romping.
Firmino got here off the bench to attain himself however he's now approaching his remaining months as a Liverpool participant earlier than he prepares to maneuver onto pastures new. His vacation spot is but to be determined however United ought to definitely throw their title into the combination.
Until they pay up and strike a everlasting take care of Burnley, Wout Weghorst is anticipated to depart on the finish of the season to allow the Crimson Devils to focus their efforts on signing a marquee No.9.
Moreover, Anthony Martial can be anticipated to go for the exit door that means there's really scope to signal not one however two new strikers earlier than the beginning of the 2023/24 season.
:
Whereas Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are prone to be the precedence, Firmino offers a great left-field possibility given he's Premier League-proven and that he would not price a switch charge.
Whether or not Firmino can be ready to change allegiances and doubtlessly harm the legacy he leaves behind at Anfield is one other query altogether thoughts however the signing would actually hit Liverpool the place it hurts if United have been daring sufficient to pursue a deal.
It could definitely soften the blow of dropping 7-0 on Merseyside additional down the road given the ache it will doubtless inflict on Liverpool's fanbase, who adore Firmino and contemplate him to be a modern-day Anfield nice.
However except for the politics, Firmino is definitely the type of signing that might show very efficient for Ten Hag. Dusan Tadic was working on one other stage underneath the Dutchman throughout their time collectively at Ajax when he performed as a false-nine.
DON'T MISS
Firmino might have comparable pleasure main the road at United, the place he would undeniably signify a transparent improve on Weghorst. He can hyperlink the play, create house plus rating and help, he has every thing.
United really tried to signal Firmino throughout his Hoffenheim days earlier than Liverpool pounced, sending Ian Ayre to the 2015 Copa America in Chile to get the transfer over the road.
From a Liverpool perspective, it is completely devastating to wave goodbye to Firmino. He has been so integral to every thing the Reds have achieved underneath Klopp and can show tough to exchange.
That stated, Gakpo is now flying in a central position and with Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz (not but returned) but to hit prime gear once more following two critical accidents, Liverpool's assault is beginning to look horrifying for the longer term.
Nevertheless, that doesn't take something away from what Firmino has achieved at Anfield and what he has delivered in his eight-year spell with the membership. He has been pure magic and there's nonetheless loads of high quality left within the tank earlier than he calls it quits.
There may be not a group in world soccer that would not be concerned with having Firmino on board, subsequently he shouldn't be in need of suitors. That stated, any transfer might hinge on his monetary calls for and the size of contract he's in search of.
When gamers run down their present offers, it is well-known that they've extra leverage throughout contract negotiations to demand larger salaries as there is no such thing as a switch charge concerned in any deal.
But United have by no means held again with their wage construction and within the latest previous, they've proven they're keen to dip their palms deep into their pockets to signal their targets on large contracts.
The signing of Firmino - notably on a free - is a transfer that makes big sense, even when it appears unlikely at this stage. As talked about, there's additionally each probability he would snub a swap to Outdated Trafford out of respect for his present employers.