Liverpool Sources: Roberto Firmino offer submitted as talks underway
Liverpool have offered Roberto Firmino a big-money new contract, sources have told Football Insider.
The Merseysiders are keen to keep hold of the Brazil international, 31, beyond next summer following his impressive resurgence this season.
Talks are underway over a new deal with Liverpool offering a lower salary than Firmino’s current agreement, which is believed to be worth around £180,000-a-week.
But the versatile forward will be able to hike up his pay from performance-related bonuses based on appearances and goals.
Manager Jurgen Klopp remains a huge admirer of Firmino and believes he still has a big role to play, even though he turns 32 next October.
Football Insider broke the news on 3 November that Liverpool were preparing to open talks with the former Hoffenheim star over a new deal.
It was subsequently confirmed by Jurgen Klopp on 12 November as he revealed that discussions had begun and more were lined up.
Firmino is out of contract at the end of the season and can sign a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club from 1 January.
The 55-times Brazil international has been a regular starter again this season after starting just 10 Premier League matches last term.
He has already started 11 Premier League games in this campaign as well as four of Liverpool’s six Champions League fixtures.
His 21 matches in all competitions have yielded nine goals and four assists, and he has demonstrated his enduring versatility by operating not only in a number nine role but also at the front of a midfield diamond in a 4-4-2 that has sometimes been used by Klopp.
Firmino lost his regular starting role last season as Diogo Jota emerged as the number one spearhead at Anfield, while Sadio Mane was also used with great success down the middle in the second half of last season before he quit for Bayern Munich.
He has now played 348 matches for Liverpool since his 2015 arrival, scoring 107 times and supplying 78 assists.
In other news, Liverpool told to complete £40m+ deal after source’s update today.