Soon-to-be free agent Roberto Firmino is wanted by two MLS teams ahead of his summer departure from Liverpool, but could join European giants Inter Milan instead, according to reports.
The 31-year-old will leave Anfield this summer when his contract expires. Firmino joined Liverpool in 2015 from Hoffenheim and helped the Merseyside club win a Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup and a Carabao Cup.
The Brazil star’s decision to leave Liverpool has been announced months before the season is due to end. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted that Firmino’s decision to leave the club has come as a surprise - but says the forward is keen to bring his “wonderful story to a positive end”.
According to MLS insider Tom Bogert, two of American teams are interested in signing the forward, who scored 108 times and assisted 79 goals in 355 Reds appearances and has 55 international caps.
One of those interested is the newly formed St Louis City, whose sporting director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, worked at Hoffenheim when Firmino was signed. LAFC are also said to be keen on Firmino, and the player has personal connections at Philadelphia Union and Nashville SC.
However, the report goes on to state that reporting by Transfemarkt has named Italian giants Inter as a potential destination for Firmino. A move to Italy is also favoured by the player’s camp.
But should a move to the MLS happen, Firmino would become one of the most valuable players in the division. The MLS has a number of stars currently playing who may be known to European football fans.
Carlos Vela, formerly of Arsenal, West Brom and Real Sociedad, is LAFC’s big star. Italy Euro 2020 winner and Napoli legend Lorenzo Insigne also plays in MLS for Toronto FC having secured a free transfer last summer. And Firmino’s old Liverpool teammate Xherdan Shaqiri is turning out for Chicago Fire, who he has played 31 times for, scoring seven and assisting six.
Iconic football legends known worldwide such as David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimvoic, Thierry Henry, Wayne Rooney, Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and David Villa have all played in the MLS.
