Roberto Firmino: Pundit issues verdict on Liverpool selling ‘talisman’ for ‘millions’ after contract reveal
Alex McLeish has backed Jurgen Klopp’s plans to offer Roberto Firmino a contract extension at Liverpool.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Reds would be better off keeping the 30-year-old “talisman” on board rather than cashing in for “millions” this summer.
As revealed by Football Insider on Saturday (12 February), Liverpool are set to offer Firmino a new deal ahead of the summer.
The Brazilian’s current terms expire in 2023 and a Liverpool source told this site Klopp wants him tied down.
McLeish insisted the Reds cannot afford to lose a player of Firmino’s quality on a free next summer.
He suggested the striker may even get more game time if he puts pen to paper.
“Let’s face it, he has not had the game time he would probably like anyway,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“Is he going to get even less if he re-signs? I would think not. It seems as if they’ve got a happy relationship there.
“If Liverpool can afford to keep these guys, he’s a talisman in certain moments. Maybe when Salah’s not getting the goals or Mane’s not getting the goals, then he pops up.
“Let’s face it, he has not lost his legs as yet. Klopp and the science team would know that 100 per cent.
“You don’t want to just lose a player just like that, let him walk out the door on a free transfer or whatever, even if they get a few million for him.
“It seems good business to tie him up.”
Firmino scored his eighth goal of the season in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over Inter Milan.
He has started 13 times in 24 games for the Reds this term.
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