Quitting Liverpool ace approached by European giant after disastrous last Klopp deprivation
AC Milan have recently made an approach to Roberto Firmino as the attacker prepares to leave Liverpool, according to a report.
Firmino’s Liverpool career will end this weekend ahead of his contract expiring in June. He has one last chance to add to his 361 appearances and 110 goals for the club. Then, he will head elsewhere for a new challenge after eight seasons in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old still wants to have regular gametime, which has become harder to attain at Anfield despite his 12 goals from 34 games this season (his best goals-to-games ratio since 2017-18).
Therefore, Liverpool are allowing him to leave on a free transfer, rather than renewing his contract – to the surprise of some of his teammates. The question now is where Firmino will go next.
He is reportedly keen to join Barcelona, but Xavi’s side might have other priorities. Therefore, Firmino will have to keep his options open.
According to Calciomercato, AC Milan are also showing an interest in the Brazil international. They have been severely underwhelmed by Divock Origi since taking him from Liverpool on another free transfer last summer.
While their last raid on Jurgen Klopp’s squad has not gone to plan, Milan could consider swooping in for another Liverpool leaver in the shape of Firmino. Few would doubt he is an upgrade on Origi.
READ MORE: Liverpool enquire about Bundesliga star who could solve two of Jurgen Klopp’s problems in one
However, Firmino’s wage demands might be beyond reach for last season’s Serie A champions, who this term have declined to the extent that they would probably have missed out on Champions League qualification if it wasn’t for Juventus’ points deduction.
Therefore, they might have to shelve their interest in Firmino in favour of a more affordable option, despite him not coming with a transfer fee.
Full list of Firmino alternatives revealed
Other attackers – of varying profiles – under consideration by Milan include Wolves’ Adama Traore, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram, Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio and Roma’s Stephan El Shaarawy, who has represented the Rossoneri before.
As things stand, all of them will be available on free transfers in July. Any could be a shrewd signing, but arguably only Thuram would be comfortable taking over from Origi in a centre-forward role. The rest are more like wingers.
Firmino himself is a versatile player, which is why he will have so many suitors this summer. Different clubs could have different tactical plans for someone who can play as a centre-forward or attacking midfielder.
Whoever secures his services will be able to count themselves lucky at having such a unique talent at their disposal. As he has shown this season, Firmino still has plenty to offer at a high level.
