03 March 2023 , 17:01
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Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes Roberto Firmino's impending Liverpool exit is the best move for all concerned despite the Brazilian's trophy-laden career.
Former Hoffenheim star Firmino left the Bundesliga side to complete an Anfield switch in the summer of 2015. While he was signed in Brendan Rodgers' final window in charge, the forward developed into a key first-teamer under Jurgen Klopp.
Firmino has decided against signing another contract extension, though, and will leave Liverpool for a new challenge when his deal expires at the end of the season. While many will be sad to see the 31-year-old move on, Carragher believes the timing is right.
"If the reports about Firmino leaving at the end of the season are true, I do think it’s best for all parties," Carragher wrote on Twitter. "He’s a Liverpool great & will be remembered for being part of one of the best front three’s we’ve seen [alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane]."
Firmino was part of the squad which reached the Europa League final under Klopp in 2016 before going on to win the Champions League three years later. He added a Premier League title in 2019-20, as well as both domestic cups in 2022, and also scored the decisive goal as the Reds beat Flamengo to win the 2019 Club World Cup.
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He is in line to become the second member of Liverpool's title-winning front three to leave in as many years. Sadio Mane moved to Bayern Munich in 2022, though Mohamed Salah - the third member of the group - signed a new deal the same summer.
Is the time right for Firmino to move on? Have your say in the comments section
Roberto Firmino is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season (Getty Images)Back in 2021, Carragher anticipated the Reds' front three being broken up. At the time, Firmino was struggling in front of goal, though his nine goals in all competitions this season already matches his 2020-21 tally.
"I am still confident Mane and Salah will start scoring goals again. I must say I am worried for Firmino." Carragher said on Monday Night Football. "He has never been seen as ‘the’ goalscorer. That is the responsibility of the other two, but he is there to chip in. When they are not scoring, he has to be a bigger goal threat."
With Firmino's contract situation hanging over Liverpool for some time, the Reds have moved to strengthen their forward line over the last several months. Darwin Nunez joined from Benfica last summer in what could end up being a club-record transfer, while Cody Gakpo arrived at Anfield in January.
Firmino is not the only Liverpool player out of contract at the end of the campaign. Midfield duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita could also leave for free, while veterans James Milner and Adrian only have a few months left on their deals.