Atletico Madrid could make a move to sign Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino during the summer transfer window.
Firmino is set to be available on a free transfer following his decision not to extend his contract at Anfield. As a result, plenty of rumours have been flying around as to his next destination.
And writing for CaughtOffside, journalist Ben Jacobs has rounded up a few of the places Bobby could land.
“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 Ronaldo. Inter are another club to watch. And there have been links with Galatasaray,” Jacobs reports.
“MLS clubs, including Atalanta 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 Atalanta 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.”
Firmino not finished in Europe
As any prospective new club won’t have to pay a transfer fee for Firmino, he’ll obviously be a very popular boy this summer.
To that end it’s no surprise to see him linked with the likes of Saudi Arabian and American sides. As he ticks into his thirties Bobby may well be looking for that last big contract to see him out. As a Champions League winner and seasoned Brazil international, you can see why he’d be attractive to those kinds of leagues.
But then again, Firmino still has so much to offer. He showed that once again for Liverpool last weekend – slotting home the Reds seventh against Manchester United. As Rio Ferdinand recently said, the former Hoffenheim man is ‘brilliant.’
For that reason, it would be a real shame to see him vacate European football already. The 31-year-old still more than has the capability to turn out for a side playing Champions League football.
He may not have the fitness record to be a guaranteed starter anymore, but Bobby can still do a job for someone.
On the face of it, Atletico wouldn’t necessarily be a great fit for that. Notoriously combative and pragmatic, those are the opposite qualities you associate with Firmino. The Brazilian plays football with a beaming smile on his face. He always has. Diego Simeone’s football can be described as many things, but joyful certainly isn’t one of them. Let’s see what Bobby decides.