Home » ARTICLES » “It does concern me”- Liverpool legend not at ease regarding 31-year-old superstar’s contract situation

“It does concern me”- Liverpool legend not at ease regarding 31-year-old superstar’s contract situation

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By Shrishh Attavar

Liverpool icon Phil Thompson shows concern over Roberto Firmino contract situation

He has always been a low-key player. Ever since his transfer to Liverpool from Hoffenheim in 2015, Roberto Firmino has exceeded all expectations and has been a very crucial part of the Reds’ squad.

The fact that he is the gaffer’s most used player at the club speaks levels of his contribution to the club. 348 appearances later, he has 107 goals and 78 assists for the Reds across all competitions. His current deal at the club lasts until the summer of 2023 (Transfermarkt) and given his fantastic form this season, one could argue that a contract extension is on the cards for the Brazilian.

In 21 appearances across all competitions this season for the Merseysiders, the 31-year-old has nine goals and four assists and has been one of the bright sparks in an otherwise average season for the team as a whole.

Liverpool star Roberto 'Bobby' Firmino.
Liverpool star Roberto ‘Bobby’ Firmino. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)

Delays over the confirmation of a new contract for the star have been a cause of anxiousness among the fans, and so is the case for Liverpool legend Phil Thompson. Here is what the legendary centre-back said (h/t the Express) over Bobby’s contract issues:

“It does concern me. My favourite player has always been Bobby Firmino, I love the way he links the team together, and I think he is just brilliant.”

“I can’t understand why he’s not had a contract offered to him yet. I do hope that will materialise, certainly when we get into January.”

“So hopefully they can come together and Bobby will sign. I think it will give everybody a lift, even the players because he is so well liked.”

Si Senor

Hopefully, before signing any player, the club announces an extension for Bobby, as after his performances this season for the Reds, wherein he is our second-highest goal-scorer, there is hardly any reason why one would believe that he does not deserve a new deal.

Even though his numbers in recent seasons have not been great for a centre-forward, the way he has made the False 9 role his own has been beyond magnificent. Bobby offers the club something which the other players in his position cannot, and that is the ability to link the play and make the transitions seem ever so smooth in attack.

Liverpool need to consider contract options for Roberto Firmino.
Liverpool need to consider contract options for Roberto Firmino. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Unfortunately for the player, he was not a part of Tite’s Brazil squad for the World Cup, and even after club football has taken its normal route, the player currently stands injured and will be out of action for a few games.

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In his absence, the only recognised attackers in the club who are currently not injured are Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez. Hopefully, the Reds go well with a cap on the number of natural attackers available for the initial few games after the restart of the campaign.