Liverpool transfer news: Pundit suggests ‘problem’ as Roberto Firmino plan revealed
Alan Hutton has suggested concerns over game time may be the “only problem” Liverpool face in contract talks with Roberto Firmino.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland international questioned if the 30-year-old would be “happy” playing a squad role for Jurgen Klopp.
As revealed by Football Insider last Saturday (12 February), Liverpool are set to offer Firmino a contract extension ahead of the summer.
A Reds source told this site Jurgen Klopp believes the Brazilian still has a big part to play at Anfield despite his reduced game time this season.
Diogo Jota’s form and injury problems have seen Firmino struggle for regular starts.
Hutton admitted a lack of action could pose a hurdle in negotiations over a new contract.
Asked if Firmino would be happy with less game time, Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “That’s the only problem.
“Obviously we don’t know what he’s thinking. Is he happy to be part of something? A top-quality team that’s going to make a charge for every trophy they enter.
“Firmino will play his part. He might not get as much game time as he has in previous seasons.
“But he’s still going to play his part. They are still going to need him.
“It’s really up to him if he wants to be that guy or if he wants to be the main man somewhere else. Somewhere where he might not get the opportunity to play at such a high level.
“It’s totally up to him and where he sees his future. Me personally? I’d still want to be part of winning trophies.”
Firmino’s current contract runs until the summer of 2023.
He has started 13 times in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.
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