Roberto Firmino’s agent has confirmed the Brazil star will leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires.
The striker is an Anfield legend after eight years as the focal point of an attack which was widely regarded as the best in the world…and helped return the Reds back to the summit of the game with six major trophies.
But while contract talks were said to have been a “great exchange”, and figures were drawn up, it is understood the 32-year-old has come to realise and accept he will no longer be a first choice starter for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
That has persuaded him to seek new adventure with his family, with the prospect of moving back to Germany, or even his native Brazil in the summer. And his agent Roger Wittman, speaking to an Arabic news outlet, confirmed that he has decided to move on when he becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
"Firmino will Leave Liverpool in the summer, I can confirm that. Nice way to leave after eight incredible years!" he is reported as stating.
Privately, Liverpool are accepting the player will move on, and Klopp has been given personal assurances from Firmino that the player will continue to commit everything to the team, despite contract negotiations with overseas clubs.
The Brazil international has yet to accept an offer for next season, but will continue talks through his agent, with a decision on his next destination made in the next few weeks.
Despite his legendary spell on Merseyside, fellow Kop great Jamie Carragher believes a parting of the ways is best for both club and player.
"If the reports about Firmino leaving at the end of the season are true, I do think it’s best for all parties," he posted on Twitter. "He’s a Liverpool great & will be remembered for being part of one of the best front three’s we’ve seen [alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane]."
With Firmino's contract situation hanging over Liverpool for some time, the Reds have moved to strengthen their forward line over the last several months. Darwin Nunez joined from Benfica last summer in what could end up being a club-record transfer, while Cody Gakpo arrived at Anfield in January.
Firmino is not the only Liverpool player out of contract at the end of the campaign. Midfield duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita could also leave for free, while veterans James Milner and Adrian only have a few months left on their deals.
It promises to be a summer of upheaval at Liverpool, with a number of changes expected throughout the playing staff. But Klopp has insisted his current crop still have time to prove they can be a part of the future for years to come.
He said this week: "We have a future together: the immediate future from tomorrow but there is a bigger picture as well. We will strike back in general but now we have to make sure that we squeeze everything out of this season that we can get."
