Jose Enrique thinks this is ‘the end’ for Roberto Firmino at Liverpool ahead of the arrival of January transfer capture, Cody Gakpo, from PSV Eindhoven, as he posted on Instagram.
Jurgen Klopp has added to his forward line by signing one of the stars of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, with Liverpool securing a £37 million deal for his services.
Before 2022 comes to a close, the Reds will take on Brendan Rodgers struggling Leicester City side and then start off 2023 by taking on Brentford away from home – it could mark the debut of Gakpo.
With the likes of Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota all injured, Gakpo might find that a lot more minutes might come his way because of the lack of options Klopp has to pick from in the forward areas.
In the long term, Liverpool fans might look at that and think it will seriously boost their attacking options going forward.
But not for former left-back Enrique because he thinks, just like with Sadio Mane in the summer, this could be Firmino’s last season on Merseyside.
“I believe this means this is the end of Firmino with us,” said Enrique. “It happened when we signed Luis Díaz with Mane. I believe it’s going to be the same this time with Gakpo and Firmino. Do you agree?”
FIRMINO SHOULD SIGN A NEW DEAL
The £29 million star (BBC Sport) is out-of-contract at the end of the season and there could be the possibility that he heads for the exit door for nothing.
But the Reds should keep him on board because his magic touch is still invaluable to this team.
When Firmino is cooking in the final third, then he makes the whole team a lot better than they are, as he has proved this season with his nine goals and four assists in all competitions.
The Brazil star isn’t someone who relies on pace, but on touch, movement, quick-thinking ability and vision. All of which would tie well with the fearsome, powerful and all-action attack Klopp is re-building at Anfield.
Liverpool confirms Gakpo arrival
Liverpool has confirmed the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV Eindhoven on a deal until 2028.
Earlier this week it was announced that the two clubs had agreed a deal for the 23-year-old, who flew to England and completed his medical tests.
Gakpo has now signed a contract until 2028 with Liverpool paying a fixed fee of £37 million but that will rise to €50 million with various bonuses. The deal makes him PSV Eindhoven’s record transfer.
The winger told the Liverpool website, “I feel really good, I’m really happy to be here. I’m looking forward to starting training and playing for this great club. I think this is a great club for me, where I can try to show what I can do. I want to help the team achieve more great moments, just like they have done in recent years.
“For me personally, I also think it’s good to develop here. There are a lot of great players at Liverpool, from whom I can learn a lot.”
Gakpo has spent his whole career with PSV Eindhoven and leaves having scored 55 times and added 50 assists in 149 appearances. He has 14 caps and six goals for the Dutch national team.
Source: hitc.com
