Jurgen Klopp has claimed Roberto Firmino is still “essential” to Liverpool as he quashed speculation over a potential exit.
The Brazilian is the final member of the Reds’ historic front three to not cement their future, following the departure of Sadio Mane and the new contract for Mohamed Salah. Firmino, 30, looks set to take the third and final option on offer to him - running down his Anfield contract.
And with just 12 months remaining on his current deal, there has been growing speculation that Kop bosses could cash in on him this summer, else risk losing him for free next year. Reports in Italy have claimed that Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has placed the versatile front-man on his wishlist to replace Alvaro Morata.
In fact, earlier this week, it was claimed that the Bianconeri were in advanced negotiations, with one report suggesting that after a fee was agreed, the deal was nearly done. Corriere Dello Sport via Sport Witness dispute that however and report a bid of €22.5m (£18.8m) was lodged and subsequently roundly rejected.
The Italian news outlet states that a wall has been put up to stop his exit, with his high asking price prohibiting any possibility of a transfer this summer. That stance is consistent with Klopp’s public briefings on the player - having regularly highlighted his importance to the overall team.
Firmino has slipped down the pecking order somewhat in recent months, with Diogo Jota moving ahead of him prior to the arrival of Darwin Nunez from Benfica. But with Jota injured and Klopp likely to ease Nunez into the line-up, the opportunity for the veteran striker to remain in the line-up is there.
And the German boss, speaking ahead of this weekend’s Community Shield with Manchester City has branded Firmino the “heart and soul” of the team, hinting that an imminent exit is extremely unlikely.
"Bobby is crucial for us, the heart and soul of this team,” he explained. “Everything looks really good and I am absolutely fine. For me, there is no doubt about his quality, so yes, he is essential for us."
Liverpool’s transfer business during the summer window - in terms of incomings at least - looks set to have come to an end, with Fabio Carvalho and Calvin Ramsay joining Nunez. But Klopp has stated that the only way he would dip back into the transfer market would be if a key player was to leave before the September 1 deadline.
"If nobody wants to leave, we are done. Or if a bad injury comes in...I don't hope so. But Liverpool fans can now start focusing on other things,” Klopp told Sky Sports.
Pressed on potential departures, he added: "Have I ever spoken in situations like this about it? You get the results - not the process!"
