Klopp makes major Roberto Firmino statement after Gakpo transfer

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 1 Jan 2023 12:56 GMT
• 3 min read

Jurgen Klopp has outlined his position on Roberto Firmino’s future at Liverpool following the signing of Cody Gakpo from PSV.

The Netherlands international’s arrival for €57 million was completed prior to the January transfer window being opened and has left a question mark over the future of Firmino at the club.

The Brazil international had been tipped to leave in the summer and now the Reds appear to be well stocked offensively as the second half of the season approaches.

MORE: How cheapskate Man Utd tried to sign Gakpo in January

Klopp can call upon the likes of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez as well as Firmino currently, while Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota are both laid up injured. Add Gakpo to the mix, as well as rising stars Fabio Carvalho and Ben Doak, who made his Premier League debut in the victory over Aston Villa, and the Reds have a wealth of attacking options.

Firmino, though, is set to remain among those, according to the manager.

MORE: ‘I want to win prizes’ - Why Gakpo chose Liverpool over Man Utd

Klopp: Gakpo plays a different role to Firmino

When asked if the former Hoffenheim star might be on his way, he said: “No. We had talks with Bobby. From my point of view, I want him to stay. Gakpo signing has no impact. If it affects Bobby then you'd have to ask him.

“Cody can play different positions - he can play all four positions up front - wing and striker. He is still very young, he was in a really good run of form for Holland and for PSV.

“The position he probably prefers he can play is on the left of a 4-3-3.”

Firmino has played 21 times in all competitions for Liverpool this season and has been particularly prolific in the Premier League, in which he has scored seven and created three more in 13 outings. Indeed, he is the Reds’ top scorer in the league, level with Salah and two clear of record signing Darwin Nunez, who has five.