Roberto Firmino is likely to be offered a new deal at Liverpool according to Liverpool Echo correspondent Theo Squires.
The lowdown: Declining influence
For so long the man signed from Hoffenheim in 2015 has been the lynchpin of Jurgen Klopp's side and an integral element of the famous front three that has fired the Reds to UEFA Champions League and Premier League glory.
However, the recent acquisitions and subsequent impacts of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz have meant that the Brazilian forward has fallen down the pecking order somewhat.
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Out of contract in the summer of 2023 (Transfermarkt), a decision needs to be made on the future of the 30-year-old.
The latest: Squires delivers update
Taking part in a Q&A session for the Liverpool Echo, journalist Squires was asked whether Firmino is likely to be offered a contract extension alongside both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
“It's an interesting one with Firmino. For so long he was Liverpool's go-to man and rarely injured but they have evolved beyond him this season. I agree, I struggle to see Liverpool keeping all three forwards beyond next summer but never say never. Mane has obviously done his own hopes of a new deal no harm, with his agent recently saying talks were on hold until the summer. Plenty has been written about Salah with no breakthrough yet.
“I'd imagine the club will see what happens with Salah and Mane and then decide what to do with Firmino. They'll make an offer they consider fair at some point and will just expect him to want to stay. Then it's up to the Brazilian if it's right for him or time to move on.”
The verdict: Deal earned
Despite a drop off in appearances this term and perhaps, more importantly, persistent injury issues, Firmino's trophy-laden time at Anfield warrants a new deal for the 55-cap Brazilian.
The man once described as 'unbelievably valuable' to the team by Klopp amidst a two-month Premier League goal drought has already lifted five major honours on Merseyside and could be set for more before the end of the ongoing campaign.
Very few players in world football can offer what the Samba star can offer and when using Fbref to find comparable operators, only RB Leipzig ace Christopher Nkunku tops Liverpool's own Jota when it comes to sharing traits with the expert false nine.
Whether or not Firmino, who has ten goals and four assists this season, is willing to accept a bit-part role moving forwards remains to be seen, but either way, this upcoming summer has all the hallmarks of a busy one for the Reds.
In other news, one Liverpool player has been backed to leave this summer. Find out who it is here.