Roberto Firmino has to be replaced as Liverpool’s first-choice striker this summer, according to The Athletic‘s James Pearce.
The Reds are in a dismal run of form currently, losing four Premier League matches in a row and drifting out of the top four.
Firmino has been a key reason for Liverpool’s slump, scoring just once in his last 14 appearances.
Speaking on The Red Agenda podcast, Pearce feels it is a key area Jurgen Klopp must address in the summer transfer window:
That is a glaring weakness in the squad that has to be addressed this summer. They have to go and sign a number nine. Not necessarily to replace Firmino, but just to be able to rotate him more often.
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Firmino has been a wonderful player for Liverpool, scoring 84 goals in 279 appearances, as well as helping the Reds clinch Champions League and Premier League glory.
He turns 30 this year, however, and is now showing real signs of simply being past his very best.
Firmino is capable of moments of magic, as he showed with his recent assist for Mohamed Salah away to Leicester City, but his all-round displays are lacking and he should no longer be a guaranteed starter from next season onwards.
A world-class No.9 would be a great addition – someone like Erling Haaland is the dream – but it remains to be seen how much funds Liverpool have available this summer.
