Former Premier League striker Noel Whelan has claimed the arrival of Luis Diaz at Liverpool could spell the end for Roberto Firmino.
The 30-year-old has been a revelation for the Reds since arriving from Hoffenheim in 2015 for £29million (BBC).
However, the capture and subsequent form of Diogo Jota have left the Brazilian in an unfamiliar position of facing serious competition for a starting role.
Now the signing of Colombia forward Diaz is set to put more pressure on the frontline and Whelan has told Football Insider that Firmino could be the man to suffer.
When you have a player of that stature running down a contract, that usually suggests that he’s thinking about his options. The fact that Diogo Jota has come in and done so well in that position has probably made Liverpool think about life without Firmino, to be honest. Now they’ve added another attacker in Diaz. He looks a quality player, he’s younger. He’s a really exciting player for the future and he’s got the attributes to be a fluid part of that front three, and to replace Firmino. He looks to be in the mould of a Liverpool-style player. The biggest priority for Liverpool right now will be Salah’s contract.
Firmino still has a contract until the summer of 2023 – similarly to Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
This season the 55-cap Brazil ace has scored seven times and provided four assists in 20 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
READ LIVERPOOL VERDICT
These contract situations were already the cause of much consternation prior to throwing the arrival of Diaz into the mix.
Undoubtedly the securing of Salah’s deal will remain the top priority, the long-term futures of Firmino and Mane would appear to be somewhat up in the air.
Still holding a market value of £34.2million (Transfermarkt), the club would likely be reticent to allow the multiple trophy winner to leave for free.
Perhaps a renewal offer on reduced terms could be the answer…
