Should Liverpool sign Roberto Firmino on a short-term deal for a title push?

It has been half a year since Roberto “Bobby’ Firmino Barbosa de Oliviera left Liverpool for the Saudi Pro League. At Al Ahli, Bobby has three goals and two assists in 17 league appearances. Notably, he hasn’t scored since his hat-trick on debut.

Liverpool, since moving on from the Brazilian, have given the #9 shirt to Darwin Nunez who is constantly putting up performances that are constantly polarising opinions within the fanbase. One game he misses a goal someone’s nan would’ve scored sitting in a wheelchair, and at times, he produces something extraordinary.

Understandably, the fanbase is not showing a lot of patience with the player. He has been blowing hot and cold, the latter more often than not. We all know of his potential and we certainly know that he’ll not stop once he starts in full-flow. But he cannot start like a diesel engine. We need him to move like a Tesla, don’t we? And for that, we need to give him some time.

Roberto Firmino scored against Southampton in his last appearance for Liverpool.

Coming back to Bobby, there have been conversations on Twitter amongst the fans on the idea of seeing Bobby return to Anfield on a short-term deal with the hope that he can give the Reds a push in our quest for silverware this season. So, the question that arises is, should we sign Bobby on a short-term deal?

To put it in simple terms. No. As loyal a servant he has been to Liverpool, once we have walked on from him, there seems to be little point in turning back to him. Agreed, Liverpool will be short on the depth front in the early part of 2024. The likes of Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo will have to represent their countries.

What Liverpool actually need is a right-winger and a defensive midfielder. Is Bobby either of those? Does he have the defensive prowess of someone like Fabinho or does he have the express pace like John Barnes to play on the wing? What will the Reds gain in playing him through the middle? We have Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo who can all feature through the middle.

Hell, even Luis Diaz can. As we saw with Sadio Mane towards the end of his career with Liverpool. We also need to consider Firmino’s low goal output in a league that’s far below the standards we are used to in the Premier League. While it may be good for the cameras and all of that, from a footballing sense, signing a 32-year-old who left our club merely half a season ago on a short-term deal seems like a dead end.

Hurts to say former, but he is. Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino playing for Al Ahli.

The quest for success mandates astute decisions rather than sentimental reunions. Firmino’s legacy at Anfield is unquestionable, etched in memorable moments and contributions. However, the current juncture beckons for pragmatic, forward-looking choices to propel Liverpool towards sustained success.

In essence, the contemplation of bringing Firmino back on a short-term deal emerges as a nuanced discussion. While emotions may resonate with the idea of a prodigal return, not everyone is Robbie Fowler. The footballing reality implores Liverpool to remain steadfast in their commitment to progress and evolution. The answer lies not in nostalgia but in the strategic pursuit of players who can seamlessly integrate into Liverpool’s dynamic present and promising future.

EVERY LIVERPOOL FAN LOVES BOBBY FIRMINO. Fans will always remember each one of those 111 goals and 79 assists in 362 appearances. We will continue to sing Si Señor but that chapter of a return, is, unfortunately, closed.