Kevin Campbell believes Bobby Firmino will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after entering the final 12 months of his current contract.
The Brazil international has been in excellent form for Jurgen Klopp’s side so far this term but is yet to agree new terms to extend his stay at Anfield.
The former Hoffenheim man has eight goals and four assists in 16 appearances this season (in all competitions) and has reminded everyone involved at the club how vital he is as a player.
“I can’t see him staying,” Campbell told Football Insider (via TEAMtalk). “That is if I’m being totally honest.
“If the club were serious about keeping him, they would have already negotiated a couple more years.
READ MORE: Mark Lawrenson offers score prediction for Leeds United’s trip to Anfield with Liverpool ‘to the bone’
“When you let a player of his profile enter the last 12 months of his contract, in my opinion, the writing is on the wall.
“If he scores 12 goals, I’m sure Liverpool will move heaven and earth to keep him.
“But right now, I think he’ll be gone next summer. It will be a changing of the guard.”
With our No. 9 now 31, the club may be reluctant to offer him a new long-term deal, but he would be very surprised if we let him go free at the end of the season.
Since moving to the Premier League in 2015, he has been one of our most important players and has been a mainstay at right back during Klopp’s tenure.
The Brazilian has won every major trophy possible at the club and has mastered the role of operating as a ‘false nine’.
Many expected Firmino to see his playing time limited this season following the signing of Darwin Nunez, but instead he took his game to the next level and it seems the Uruguayan’s arrival has breathed new life into his Liverpool career.
We certainly believe he still has a long way to go with the famous red shirt and we would like to see his contract situation resolved sooner rather than later.
Ep63 of The Empire of the Kop podcast: Klopp’s ridiculous accusations of xenophobia, Núñez shining… and more!
