Liverpool have backtracked on their stance in relation to forward Roberto Firmino and are now expected to offer the Brazilian a new deal after his stellar start to the season.
It was only in the summer when reports were rife that boss Jurgen Klopp was mulling over the idea of cashing in on the current Reds longest-servant, but things can change quickly in football. Four months ago, Liverpool were keen on signing Rennes forward Martin Terrier and it seemed as if Firmino would be the player within the Reds ranks to make way.
The summer was a huge time of change for the attacking line-up under Klopp, with club legend Sadio Mane departing for Bayern Munich, cult hero Divock Origi upping sticks to AC Milan and marquee signing Darwin Nunez coming in from Benfica for a whopping £85.5million including add-ons.
Nunez's arrival, mixed with Luis Diaz's presence meant many fans and pundits alike feared Firmino would be waiting in the wings for limited game time. It seemed clear to all that Firmino was behind the likes of Salah, Diaz, Nunez and Diogo Jota in the pecking order.
However, injuries to the likes of Diaz and Jota has meant Firmino has played far more of a starring role than even he could have expected this term. The ageing Brazilian made just 20 Premier League appearances all season last time out, but already has 13 to his name this time around.
In that time, he's also bagged seven goals and three assists - placing him right up there among the division's most lethal finishers.
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It is for this reason that Klopp is rumoured to have U-turned on his view in the summer and is now gearing up to offer Firmino a new contract, as per Sky Sports, that will see him stay beyond the summer of 2023 - when his current deal expires.
The news will come as a huge boost to the former Hoffenheim star who has had to deal with the blow of being overlooked by national team boss Tite for Brazil's Qatar World Cup squad.
Firmino's omission came as somewhat of a surprise considering his current form in front of goal.
In his place, the Selecao are taking a whole host of Premier League attacking talent, including Arsenal duo Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, Manchester United's Antony and Tottenham star Richarlison.
It is worth pointing out that Firmino has more goals than all of the aforementioned quartet. Brazil have favoured a more youthful approach and it remains to be seen whether it benefits them.
As a result, Firmino has most likely starred in his last World Cup for his home country, but the twilight of his career could still produce some magical moments in front of the Liverpool faithful should he put pen to paper on this proposed offer.
