Senior sources at Liverpool have denied any knowledge of Juventus placing an offer for Roberto Firmino.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim that insiders at Anfield have ‘rubbished’ reports from Italy of Juventus’ bid for Firmino.
Liverpool are reportedly insistent that their number 9 is not for sale in this transfer window. Sources are claimed to have indicated that Jurgen Klopp is planning for the season with Firmino very much on-board.
The 30-year-old entered the final year of his contract earlier this month. As it stands, he will be able to speak to clubs abroad in six months time.
Liverpool need Firmino more than ever right now
It seemed virtually impossible that Liverpool would part with Firmino before the season starts.
Klopp’s forward options are slightly depleted from last season. As a result, Bobby is worth more to Liverpool by being in the squad than the reported £20m fee would give them.
As his inclusion in the second-half of yesterday’s game showed, he looks for now to be back in Klopp’s first-choice eleven.
With Darwin Nunez given time to settle in, and Diogo Jota injured, Liverpool need him badly at the present time. He has looked sharp during pre-season and thankfully looks to have recovered from his injury issues of last year.
There had been some suggestions that Bobby may look to leave in order to force his way into Brazil’s World Cup squad. But he’s been in plenty of squads whilst playing for Liverpool. He is still very much in Tite’s thoughts.
If he can maintain his fitness, and his position in Liverpool’s team, there’s no reason why he won’t be on the plane to Qatar.
Hopefully today’s news can draw a line under this saga, which has gathered pace over the course of the week.
It’ll be a sad day for Liverpool fans when Firmino leaves the club. Unfortunately, it looks like we may be closing in on that day. Nevertheless, it looks unlikely to be before September this year.