Atletico Madrid have made first contact over a decision to sign a trusted stalwart from Liverpool which has been one of Jurgen Klopp’s surprise packages this season, according to a report.
The Reds’ slow start to the season showed few signs of letting up on Sunday. Liverpool recorded their lowest xG (0.87) since the start of last season in their 3-2 loss to Arsenal.
Dubious appeals, including the non-awarding of a penalty for a handball by Gabriel Magalhaes, would have driven that figure up. However, Liverpool’s attack was as much a problem at the Emirates as their defence.
Luis Diaz was a shining spark but suffered a worrying knee injury. Klopp’s brief prognosis after the game was that the injury didn’t look good.
His fears were realized on Monday night when reports emerged that Diaz had suffered knee ligament damage that would rule him out until the end of the World Cup.
Mohamed Salah struggled to make an impact and was substituted with the game on the line. Darwin Nunez looked sharp but Liverpool’s best striker was once again Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian veteran, 31, seemed to have a waning influence at Anfield of late. The arrival of Diogo Jota provided fierce competition up front. Sadio Mane then moved into the center when Diaz arrived last January, while Nunez placed another obstacle in his way.
However, Firmino has arguably been Liverpool’s most surprising player this season in quite a positive way.
He has registered six goals and three assists in seven league appearances so far. What makes this all the more impressive is that he has only started five games.
He was on target again against Arsenal when he clinically finished inside the far post with his weaker left foot. However, according to the Spanish press, his recent exploits could be part of his swan song on Merseyside.
Firmino’s contract extension ‘doesn’t seem likely’
Firmino’s contract with liverpool expires next summer and via Yardbarkerit is claimed that it is “not likely” that a new agreement will be signed.
It’s music to the ears of Atletico Madrid and Diego Simeone, with the Argentina manager ‘really keen’ to sign Firmino.
Firmino’s tireless work rate looks perfect for Simeone and the report adds that Atletico have made contact.
In what form is unclear, although signs suggest a deal could be done in 2023.
Liverpool already have Firmino’s long-term successor to Nunez on the books. Moreover, Klopp’s squad is aging and they have already granted Salah a lucrative extension. Considering owners FSG were ready to part ways with Mane, the same could ring true for Firmino.
Whether Atletico intend to try their hand at a cut-price transfer in January or wait to sign him as a free agent is unclear.
If it is the latter case, they will be free to conclude a pre-contractual agreement on January 1st. However, going that route would leave them vulnerable to other parties who want to land Firmino for nothing too.
Firmino’s exit would mark the end of an era
Sadio Mane has already left for Bayern Munich, meaning the club’s top three who have backed so many successful years under Klopp would be cut by two-thirds if Firmino leaves as well.
Another stalwart of this period – James Milner – is also in the final year of his contract. Now 37 and with his appearances becoming less and less frequent, few would be surprised to see him leave at the end of the season as well.
The challenge now for Klopp is to rebuild and reinvigorate a club that has relied for so long on the same body of players.
Salah received a two-year extension earlier in 2022 and his future is secured until 2025. However, if the Spanish report is correct, he could soon be the last man standing in Liverpool’s famous front three.
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