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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Paul Gorst

Roberto Firmino to leave Liverpool as summer transfer priorities confirmed

Roberto Firmino will leave Liverpool this summer after eight years at Anfield.

Firmino's contract has entered the final few months and he has been free to speak to clubs about a pre-contract agreement outside of England since the start of 2023.

Jurgen Klopp had hoped to keep the former Hoffenheim man at Anfield beyond the end of this campaign, saying at various points this term that talks were ongoing with Firmino's representatives.

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However, the ECHO understands that Firmino has now decided to seek a fresh challenge and will walk away after a decorated spell that has seen him win seven trophies that include every top-level trophy available to Liverpool.

Reports emerged in Germany on Friday that Firmino had informed Klopp of his decision to leave and the ECHO has been told that the attacker is keen to explore his options away from the club before the start of next season.

The signings of Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and, most recently, Cody Gakpo have increased the competition for Firmino, who only recently returned to action last month after 10 games out with a calf injury.

It's understood that Firmino has not yet settled on his next destination as he gets set to become another high-profile departure on a free transfer under Klopp that includes Emre Can, Daniel Sturridge, Adam Lallana, Divock Origi and Gini Wijnaldum.

No player has featured more for Klopp during a managerial career that has spanned over 1000 games, with the Brazil frontman turning out 345 times for the German at Liverpool.

The 31-year-old has scored 107 times for the Reds to date and will leave as a modern-day great in the eyes of supporters for his contributions during his time on Merseyside.

It's thought a replacement for Firmino won't be considered a priority for Klopp and Liverpool's recruitment team as they get set for a potentially big summer on the incomings front.

Midfield has been earmarked as the area of the squad Klopp is most keen to strengthen and with Diaz, Nunez and Gakpo all supporting Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah, Firmino's high wages are likely to be utilised elsewhere.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are two more who could depart as free agents at the end of the campaign with both midfielders' contract into the final few months.

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