Liverpool urged to keep Firmino despite exit rumours

Liverpool legend has urged the club to keep striker Roberto Firmino despite rumours linking him to a move away from the Merseyside

Image of Liverpool's striker Roberto Firmino

Following Darwin Núñez's arrival from Benfica, Roberto Firmino has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer.

The Brazilian international, who has had a successful stint with Liverpool, forming one of the best-attacking trios with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, started only 10 Premier League games last season after Jurgen Klopp preferred an attacking trio of Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah, and Sadio Mane.

Following his limited game time last season and the arrival of Núñez, Firmino, 30, is being linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus, who are looking for a striker after Álvaro Morata's loan period expired in July.

Despite Juventus' interest, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has urged his former club to keep Roberto Firmino, claiming that he will have a significant impact on the team this season.

Roberto Firmino has scored 98 goals in 328 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool

"I think Firmino could be really important this season, and I think he might actually start the first few games of the season, and I can imagine Nunez coming off the bench," Carragher said.

"I am not quite sure about the Juventus links. Obviously, we have spent a lot of money on a striker, and Juventus plays a 4-3-3, so I couldn't see Firmino playing wide or going there to be an understudy. The links may be true, I don't know, but I would keep him."

Though several rumours are linking Firmino to Italy, Jürgen Klopp has maintained his desire to keep the Brazilian, stating that he is an important part of his team.

Diogo Jota is currently out with a long-term injury, and Klopp wants to keep him around for squad depth, but he could return to the bench once the striker recovers.

With the arrival of Darwin Núñez, Firmino's game time with the Reds may be reduced even further, as he now competes with two players to lead Liverpool's front line.

Firmino's contract with Liverpool expires at the end of this season, and he is unlikely to get a new contract from the board, which might prompt him to consider departing the Premier League club.

The Brazilian has won many trophies under Jürgen Klopp, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Super Cup, and FA Community Shield Cup.

Having won this plethora of medals, he could pursue a new challenge in another location where he would be more valuable. Juventus only have Dušan Vlahović and Moise Kean in the frontline, which could be less competitive for Firmino if he decides to join the Italian side.