Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp says Cody Gakpo’s arrival will not impact Roberto Firmino contract situation
Cody Gakpo is Liverpool FC’s latest signing. The 23-year-old forward put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the Reds until the summer of 2028. With his signing, the Merseysiders’ attack is stacked.
Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and now Cody Gakpo is in the mix as well. Liverpool see themselves spoilt for attacking options now. However, the only worrisome part about this is, the Reds’ joint-highest league scorer in Firmino runs down his contract in the summer (Transfermarkt).
In 21 appearances across competitions this season, he has nine goals and four assists this season and as earlier mentioned, he is Liverpool’s joint-highest scorer in the league and second-highest overall.
Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp talked about Bobby’s contract situation, and here is what he said via The Athletic (Subscription Required) about whether Gakpo’s arrival over the summer could be a hindrance in the same:
“No, not for me, absolutely not. We are in talks with Bobby. From my point of view, I definitely want him to stay. From my point of view, no impact.”
Over so many years at the club, Firmino has always been an integral part of Liverpool’s frontline. In fact, Jurgen Klopp’s most-used player at the club. In 348 appearances for the club across all competitions, he has 107 goals and 78 assists.
Currently nursing a calf injury, Bobby will only return to action against Brentford in Liverpool’s first game of 2023. It is Good news that the arrival of another attacker is not something which could hamper Bobby’s well-deserved potential new contract.
At 31 years of age and given his current form, he still has a few years of football at the highest level left in him, and hopefully, he exceeds all expectations in the coming weeks as well. With half the season still to go, the return of Bobby is extremely timely and will help the Reds maybe revert back to their false 9 style of play in certain games.
Keeping Firmino at the club through a new contract would ensure that Liverpool maintain a core group of experienced players, which can be important for team stability and success.
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He doesn’t have to be a regular starter anymore. We have Gakpo and Nunez for that. But the damage he can do off the bench and the knowledge he can impart in the train