Former Manchester United and Liverpool star Paul Ince has urged Jurgen Klopp to change Roberto Firmino’s mind about leaving Anfield.
Back in March, Firmino announced his decision to leave Liverpool in the summer when his contract expires, bringing an to end eight successful years with the Reds.
To date, the forward has scored 109 goals and made 79 assists in 359 appearances for Liverpool, and last Sunday netted the equaliser as his side came from 2-0 to draw against league leaders Arsenal.
The 31-year-old has won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup as part of one of the most formidable front threes in football history alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
Injuries and the arrival of new signings like Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo has seen his role in Klopp’s team lessen over the past two seasons however, so his pending departure was not unexpected.
However, the Reds have struggled for form this season, with the new forwards struggling to adjust playing a big part in that, and some believe the Brazil international’s experience would be still be beneficial at Anfield.
‘The reason that Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah were unplayable a couple of years ago was because of Firmino,’ former midfielder, now Reading manager Ince told Premier League Odds.
‘He used to pull centre halves out of position to allow Salah and Mane space to run into. As much as Liverpool have invested in very good players like Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, they don’t do what Firmino does.
‘If I was Liverpool, I’d be looking to keep hold of him.’
Though Klopp has frequently praised Firmino, Liverpool are well-stocked in the forward department even without him and the club are looking to free-up the wage bill as they pursue some big transfers this summer.
James Milner, Adrian, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Arthur Melo are also out of contract at the end of the season.
Firmino has been tipped to join Real Madrid on a free, but Ince is hopeful he’ll sign for another one of his former clubs, adding: Inter Milan is a wonderful club with wonderful, wonderful fans so if Firmino doesn’t sign a contract at Liverpool then Inter would be a fantastic move for him.’
In the meantime, Liverpool will look to get back into the top four race when they travel to Leeds on Monday night.
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