Liverpool transfer news: Roberto Firmino replacement already at the club after ‘exciting’ confirmed news – Whelan
Liverpool may be thinking about life after Roberto Firmino following Diogo Jota’s good form and Luis Diaz’s arrival, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 30-year-old Brazilian will be “thinking about his options” ahead of his contract expiring next year (2023).
Liverpool announced the capture of Diaz on Sunday (30 January) after gazumping Tottenham for the Porto star in the final week of the window.
The Colombian’s arrival leaves Firmino in a precarious position with his place under serious threat.
The iconic Reds hitman had started just four league games before Mo Salah and Sadio Mane departed for the African Cup of Nations.
When asked if Firmino could depart Anfield, Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “There’s a real possibility, isn’t there?
“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.”
Salah and Mane are also out of contract in June 2023.
Liverpool trail runaway league leaders Man City by nine points.
Diaz could make his debut for Jurgen Klopp’s side against Cardiff in the FA Cup this Sunday.
In other news, a pundit has predicted Liverpool are preparing for Salah exit after ‘world-class’ transfer update.