Redsboost as Firmino agreesnew £35million contract
Brazilian’s five-year deal only the start of Liverpool’s plan to allow Klopp build new European empire
LIVERPOOL striker Roberto Firmino has given Jurgen Klopp the perfect start to one of the biggest weeks of his reign by agreeing a new five-year contract with the club.
Firmino will sign a deal worth about £7m a year (£180,00 a week) prior to the second leg of Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final in Rome, making him Liverpool’s highest-paid player.
“It was an easy decision,” said the Brazilian. “The club have taken me in in an incredible way and I’ve grown a lot here with my work with the support of the whole team.
“I am very happy here in Liverpool. Everything fits for me in the best possible way.
“My team-mates are fantastic and I am grateful to be able to play with them at this club. I love to play for Liverpool FC. The fans are excellent and fantastic in how they support us all the way.”
Firmino was a priority signature for Liverpool’s hierarchy, with sporting director Michael Edwards and Fenway Sports Group president Michael Gordon stepping up the frequency of talks with the player’s representatives in recent months.
Following the sale of Philippe Coutinho in January, Liverpool were determined to ensure their other prized assets were protected, thus avoiding the break-up of one of the most exciting squads in Europe.
It is likely other star players will be similarly rewarded before the start of next season.
The timing of Firmino’s extension could not be better as Liverpool prepare to head to face Roma on Wednesday. He has been crucial to Liverpool’s European success with 10 goals in the run which has taken them so close to the final.
The 26-year-old moved to Liverpool from Hoffenheim for £29m in the summer of 2015, when Brendan Rodgers was still manager.
Initially, he struggled in a deeper midfield role but, since Klopp’s appointment, Firmino has been transformed into one of the most complete strikers in world football, his combined performance with work-rate, assists, tackles and goals making him fundamental to the team’s growing success.
Liverpool know other European clubs have been looking with envy at Firmino, but Klopp was always confident the player would recognise the role the club has played in elevating his status.
FUTURE
As part of an attacking ensemble with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, they believed Firmino would recognise his future was best served remaining on Merseyside.
Firmino has 27 goals in all competitions this season and but for Salah’s extraordinary run, he would have been earning more accolades.
Firmino’s pledge to Liverpool comes with Klopp’s side dashing in Europe but stumbling towards the Premier League finish line.
They may exceed expectations this season, but are also in danger of falling short of ending up in the top four.
No matter how hard Klopp tried, or how often the players reiterated that they must first focus on Saturday’s match against Stoke at Anfield, Liverpool could not escape the spectre of Rome.
It was there in Klopp’s team selection, the multiple changes ensuring the rhythm and vivacity of four days earlier was gone, even if Salah and Firmino played at 60pc power.
It was there in the lacklustre performance, Liverpool’s players physically weakened by their exertions.
Paul Lambert’s side could not have hoped for a better time to visit.
It was there in the crowd. Every time there was a tackle, the Kop shuddered. They gave the impression they wanted this to be over without any casualties.
And it was in the post-match questioning. It says much about the lack of entertainment that a quip from Trent Alexander-Arnold was the lingering memory.
Asked to consider the barrage of messages he has received since Liverpool’s first-leg win over Roma, he revealed one stood out.
“I had loads of things saying I have now played more Champions League games than Everton,” said the teenager. “That was quite funny. I enjoyed seeing that.”
It was pointed out that is not quite correct. He needs one more to go past Everton’s European Cup appearance record.
“Oh, equal is it? Oh, well, hopefully I play on Wednesday then. If I am picked, I guess it will be a good one to say,” said the defender.
Unless Liverpool avoid defeat to Chelsea next Sunday, their efforts to reach next year’s Champions League will extend to the final game at home to Brighton.
Despite the point, Stoke still look doomed. Lambert protected a proud unbeaten run at Anfield as a manager, but he is unlikely to get a chance to extend it in the league next season. © Daily Telegraph, London)