Roberto Firmino: Real reason for Liverpool exit revealed as expert names five suitors amid Champions League claim

An insider has revealed the main motivation for Roberto Firmino behind his decision to leave Liverpool, while pointing to four or five clubs he could join.

Firmino recently informed Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp that he will be leaving in the summer. Rather than extend his contract, the Brazilian star will be exiting on a free transfer. It will mark the end of an era for one of Liverpool’s most successful players of the Klopp era.

Firmino’s agent has since confirmed that he will not be speaking to other clubs until the end of the season, in another sign of how much he means to Liverpool and vice versa.

But suitors are already queuing up for Firmino, who would be a brilliant signing for anyone on a free transfer.

Now, trusted reporter, Ben Jacobs has revealed four or five clubs who are in the running to offer Firmino his next step.

Jacobs wrote in a column for Caught Offside: “Al Nassr are interested and are also looking at PSG’s Sergio Ramos, which shows the type of stars they want to bring in alongside [Cristiano] Ronaldo.

“Inter are another club to watch. And there have been links with Galatasaray.

“MLS clubs, including Atlanta United, have historically considered Firmino, knowing as he hits his early thirties a move may be possible, but even six months ago the feedback they received was he still could extend at Liverpool. That tells you Firmino’s decision was not made lightly and now Atlanta have added Giorgos Giakoumakis from Celtic.

“I still think Firmino can go and join a big Champions League club. I am told Atletico Madrid is one to watch.”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp striker plans emerge after Roberto Firmino rocks Liverpool with exit decision

Whatever the future holds for Firmino, it has become clear why he is choosing a new challenge.

Unsurprisingly, the extra competition Liverpool have added in attack has been confirmed as his main reason for wanting to find a new club where he can still be a regular starter.

Roberto Firmino wants to start ‘majority of games’

Jacobs explained: “Liverpool wanted Firmino to extend, but he was intent on taking his time and highly appreciative of the fact Liverpool didn’t put pressure on him for an answer. It wasn’t an easy decision.

“My understanding is Firmino now sees the array of the forwards at the club and decided a new challenge is best because he has a strong appetite to be starting the majority of games.

“Liverpool have brought in Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez, and [Mohamed] Salah – contrary to reports linking him with PSG – isn’t going anywhere this summer. And there’s Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota.”

Still only 31 years old, you can’t blame Firmino for wanting to have more prominence elsewhere. When Liverpool were struggling earlier in the season, he was one of their only players reaching his usual standards.

Even so, he has still only started just under half of their Premier League matches this term.

He recently went on to put the icing on the cake of their 7-0 win over Man Utd with the last goal of the game, which was his first appearance since his exit decision.

Overall this season, Firmino has scored 10 goals from 27 appearances in all competitions. His entire Liverpool record is 108 goals from 354 appearances.

In other Liverpool news, their intentions for Brighton midfielder, Moises Caicedo have emerged