Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has made it clear Roberto Firmino will be staying with the club this season amid interest from Italian giants Juventus. The Brazilian centre-forward, who has made the false-nine role his own since arriving at the club from Hoffenheim in 2015, has since seen his involvement become more limited following the arrivals of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.
Furthermore, Liverpool’s new £85million acquisition Darwin Nunez is set to increase the competition for places in attack and particularly Firmino’s position – despite the departure of Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich.
Juventus have been heavily linked with the 30-year-old in the past two weeks with some reports in Italy even claiming Firmino was the subject of an opening offer from the Old Lady.
But in the view of Klopp, Firmino is very much still an integral part of what Liverpool are trying to do…
“Bobby is crucial for us, the heart and soul of this team,” Klopp said, dismissing any talk Firmino could move onto pastures new.
Speaking to TNT Sports in Brazil, he said: “I want to stay. I’m very happy here. I’m grateful to God to be here playing at a great club with great players, winning titles, and my wish is to stay.
“I want to be here, I’m happy here, and that’s all I can say. I want to stay.”
The goals have started to dry up for Firmino, who hit 11 in all competitions at Anfield last season – including five in seven Champions League outings.
Diogo Jota is also set to remain on the sidelines through injury, meaning Liverpool are in no position to weaken their forward line just over one week out from the 2022/23 Premier League season.
