The Reds sign gifted Brazilian Firmino

LIVERPOOL have agreed to sign gifted Brazil international Roberto Firmino pending a medical examination that will take place after his participation at the Copa America, the English Premier League club said yesterday.

The attacking midfielder, 23, is moving to Anfield from Germany’s Hoffenheim, where he played since 2010, scoring 47 goals in 151 appearances.

No information was given on Firmino’s transfer fee or the length of his contract, although the deal with Liverpool was reported to cost about £28-million (R536-million).

Firmino has been outstanding at Hoffenheim, maturing from an exuberant teenager to team leader despite his young age and attracting the interest of several top European clubs.

“The Reds have seen off serious competition from rivals in the English Premier League and across Europe to make it Anfield where the goalscoring instincts and creative flair of Firmino can continue to blossom,” Liverpool said.

“Liverpool had been watching all along and acted the fastest to put together a deal for Firmino, who will be exhibiting his mesmerising skills at Anfield from August.”

Versatile and skilled, Firmino can play a variety of roles in attack and midfield and his flaring development in the past few seasons saw him earn a first Brazil cap last year.

He has also started in Brazil’s last two fixtures at the Copa America, scoring the winner against Venezuela as his country advanced to the last eight of the competition.

Following a disappointing campaign in which Liverpool could only finish sixth in the premier league, Firmino is the latest player to join the Reds in a hectic start to the summer transfer window after the departure of long-time captain and stalwart Steven Gerrard. – Reuters