Roberto Firmino agrees glitzy Barcelona transfer with Liverpool exit to set up new career pinnacle
Roberto Firmino has agreed to join Barcelona after he leaves Liverpool at the end of the season, the latest reports have claimed.
It has been common knowledge for a while that Firmino will not be signing a new contract with Liverpool. Therefore, his spell with the club will reach its conclusion this summer after eight seasons. Fans have had to be patient to find out where he will be going next, though.
Initially, Firmino did not want to speak with other clubs while still focusing on the end of the season with Liverpool. But there have been a few claims in recent weeks suggesting something might be happening behind the scenes.
Earlier this week, there were surprising reports from Turkey that Firmino had an agreement in principle with Galatasaray. With all due respect, that never seemed befitting of his quality at this stage of his career.
Subsequently, there have been more understandable links with Barcelona. The La Liga outfit have been focusing on free transfers in recent windows and are aiming to evolve their attack this summer.
Now, the Daily Mail has provided a crucial update that suggests Firmino has now agreed a move to Barcelona.
There are no details in the report of how long his contract with Barcelona will last, or how much he will earn from it (although other sources have suggested it will be on a significant salary).
Roberto Firmino earns exciting next move
But it will be a glamorous next move for Firmino regardless. Barcelona currently have a comfortable lead at the top of La Liga and are one of the world’s most recognisable clubs.
Unlike Liverpool, Barcelona are almost certain to have Champions League football on offer next season. Therefore, it could even be a step up for Firmino (if he gets enough gametime).
His task will be to challenge Robert Lewandowski for a starting place up front, which won’t exactly be straightforward. But Firmino is a versatile attacker anyway, so could be useful to Xavi in different ways.
A move from Liverpool to Barcelona would see Firmino follow in the footsteps of the likes of Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho.
Before then, though, he will be aiming to ensure he can go out on a high at Liverpool. Firmino has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Super Cup and Club World Cup during his spell with the club.
The Brazil international has achieved it all at Liverpool, but joining Barcelona could give fresh impetus to his career. His next club could allow him to continue competing for honours in a different environment, given that he has never played in La Liga before.
This season, Firmino has scored 11 goals from 33 games in all competitions. His overall record with the club includes 109 goals from 360 appearances.
