Liverpool to hijack £100m-plus Man Utd move for Firmino replacement, as Anfield hero’s likeliest next club is named
Victor Osimhen speaks with Randal Kolo Muani after Napoli vs Eintracht Frankfurt
Liverpool have ‘chosen’ a Man Utd-linked striker who’s valued over £100m as their successor to Roberto Firmino, and the Brazilian’s likeliest next club has also been named, per reports.
Firmino, 31, will bring his glittering eight-year stint at Anfield to a close this summer. The veteran Brazilian will leave as a free agent and won’t lack for offers from Europe’s elite.
Indeed, a report out of Spain (as cited by Goal) claims Firmino has been courted by both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
However, both Madrid clubs could be beaten to the punch by Barcelona who have a specific plan in mind for Firmino.
Indeed, the report states Barcelona are particularly attracted to the prospect of signing Firmino on a free. With good reason, Barca’s well documented financial strife has not disappeared.
Xavi’s side reportedly view Firmino as the perfect foil for the ageless Robert Lewandowski. Firmino’s ability to play in between the lines and be the perfect bridge between midfield and attack is highly coveted at the Camp Nou.
Lewandowski has bagged 25 goals in just 33 matches in Barcelona colours so far. However, the club are seemingly of the belief he can return to a ratio of around a goal-per-game if playing alongside Firmino.
Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos is also admired by Barcelona, though the Portugal international isn’t available for free this summer, unlike Firmino.
The prospect of joining Real or Barca always holds a distinct appeal for South American players. If Barca do act on their interest and lodge an approach to Firmino and his camp, the Anfield favourite’s next move may well be Barcelona.
Liverpool want Man Utd target as direct replacement
Liverpool’s summer recruitment drive is widely anticipated to centre around revamping their understrength midfield.
Indeed, if the lack of quality wasn’t issue enough, the fact Arthur Melo, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita are all leaving at season’s end will throw up a numbers problem too.
Jurgen Klopp won’t lack for options up front when Firmino does depart. Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo can all play up top, while Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah will round out his established options in the final third.
However, according to a second Spanish report (also via Goal), the Reds have set their sights on a Man Utd-linked striker to directly replace Firmino.
Their headline reads: “Liverpool choose Firmino’s replacement: Kolo Muani.”
Randal Kolo Muani, 24, has been heavily linked with completing Man Utd’s striker search this summer. Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are understood to be Erik ten Hag’s preferred options, though the Frenchman is among a cluster of names earmarked as viable alternatives.
Indeed, trusted German outlet BILD reported United were preparing a mega-money offer to test Frankfurt’s resolve this summer. Frankfurt will reportedly greenlight a sale of their talismanic frontman if £105.2m (€120m) is bid.
Kolo Muani has notched 30 goal contributions in just 35 matches for Frankfurt this term. He’s also racked up five caps for Didier Deschamps’ France side since making his debut in 2022.
The Spanish report claim Liverpool are seeking a signing at centre-forward to complete their forward line and Kolo Muani is the man they’ll turn to.
Man Utd’s interest – as well as that of PSG and Chelsea – is acknowledged in the piece.
But if United are pre-occupied with potentially protracted sagas involving Kane and/or Osimhen, Liverpool may well snatch one of their high class back-up options out from under their nose.
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