Roberto Firmino has agreed a deal to sign for Barcelona this summer after turning down the chance to stay with Liverpool, it's been claimed.
The Brazilian forward, 31, is confirmed to be leaving Anfield when his contract expires in June. Firmino had been offered a new deal with the Reds but opted not to extend his eight-year stay on Merseyside, having struggled for consistent game time over the past two seasons.
Now Barcelona are said to have won the race for his signature, with the Mail reporting that the former Hoffenheim star will join Xavi's side. Barca, who're enduring well-documented financial troubles, are on course to win their first LaLiga title since 2018 and want to strengthen their attack without breaking the bank, as Robert Lewandowski is currently their only recognised striker.
Firmino's exit was confirmed in March, with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp revealing how difficult it was for the much-loved 31-year-old to say goodbye. "It was not an easy decision for him," Klopp said after hammering arch enemies Manchester United 7-0, as Firmino scored the final goal. "The reception he got today was absolutely outstanding."
Fabinho, his team-mate for club and country, also paid tribute following the triumph, telling ESPN Brazil: "Bobby [Firmino] is a very special guy. It's great to have him as a team-mate. He's a guy that everyone likes him. It was really cool that he scored today, that he celebrated in that way. Everyone on the bench, on the field, celebrated with him, because he is the guy that everyone likes."
The player agent, Roger Wittmann, revealed his client's plans shortly after, with Italian giants Inter Milan notably credited with interest in securing Firmino's services on a free transfer. "At the moment, I am not talking about the options on the table," Wittmann declared to Calciomercato.
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"Roberto is 100 per cent focused on completing the season and helping Liverpool in their race to qualify for the Champions League. "The plan is this: once the club achieve their goals, Roberto and his family will start thinking about what and where the next challenge could be."
Firmino joined Liverpool in the summer of 2015 as one of former boss Brendan Rodgers' final signings in a £29million transfer from German side Hoffenheim. The 55-capped Brazil international has since gone on to score 109 goals in 360 games and was integral to Liverpool winning both the Premier League and Champions League during his time at Anfield.
Reds legend Jamie Carragher admitted that Firmino's departure was actually a "good" thing, tweeting: "I do think it's best for all parties. He's a Liverpool great and will be remembered for being part of one of the best front three's we've seen [alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane]."
