Barcelona and Napoli to go head-to-head for outgoing Liverpool ace Roberto Firmino | OneFootball

Roberto Firmino will wave goodbye to Liverpool in the summer following eight memorable years at Anfield.

The 31-year-old forward has been one of Jurgen Klopp’s most trusted allies, forming part of a mercurial attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Liverpool’s formidable trident used to tear the Premier League backlines apart almost at will, with the Brazilian star running the show en route to becoming one of the fan favourites on the red side of Merseyside.

Firmino reminded the world of his class and lethal finish with a late equaliser to hand the Reds a 2-2 draw against league leaders Arsenal last weekend.

After the game, the former TSG Hoffenheim man opened up on his impending departure.

“I won’t say much because otherwise, I’ll get emotional,” he told ESPN Brazil.

“I’m very happy and grateful to God for everything we have built here. But it’s a new situation for me. I’ve never been through it.”

Despite falling down the pecking order this season, Firmino won’t have difficulty finding a new high-profile employee when his contract at Liverpool runs out in the summer.

Barcelona

Among clubs interested in capturing Firmino’s services on a free transfer are runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona.

The Catalans have developed a special affection for free agents due to their precarious financial situation.

Xavi Hernandez wants to see the long-serving Liverpool ace donning the Blaugrana shirt next season as he aims for a reliable fallback option for star striker Robert Lewandowski.

Barcelona signed Andreas Christensen and Marcos Alonso on Bosman transfers last summer, as well as Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessie from AC Milan.

However, they’re not alone in the race to land Firmino.

Napoli

Serie A high-flyers Napoli are open to discussing the Brazilian’s arrival in the summer.

Although the Partenopei are on the brink of lifting the Scudetto for the first time since 1990, the architect of their stellar domestic campaign, Victor Osimhen, could be on his way out at the end of the season.

Luciano Spalletti is already in the market seeking the Nigerian’s heir. It looks like Firmino has caught his eye, especially considering his potential switch to southern Italy won’t cost a dime.

At 31, the household forward would still be a force to be reckoned with in Serie A, so keep an eye on Napoli.