Real Madrid make SHOCK swoop for Liverpool veteran - Fabrizio Romano

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 28 May 2023 19:04 BST
• 3 min read

Real Madrid are preparing a shock swoop for Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Madrid are mulling over making a move for Firmino, who is one of the options on their striker shortlist.

The Brazilian will leave Liverpool next month on a free transfer when his contract expires.

READ MORE: Premier League 2023/24 summer transfers: All the Done Deals

Firmino's future has been a source of much speculation since he told Jurgen Klopp in March that he would not be extending his eight-year stay at Anfield beyond the summer.

The 31-year-old has since been linked to Barcelona and teams in Italy and Saudi Arabia but Romano now reports that Madrid are interested.

What did Romano say about Firmino to Real Madrid

“Roberto Firmino, one of the names considered by Real Madrid — there are no negotiations as of now, just internal discussions about Bobby,” Romano tweeted on Sunday.

Madrid are looking for new options in attack, having been far too reliant on an ageing Karim Benzema in recent seasons.

The 2022 European champions want an alternative to Benzema in the number 9 role, which Firmino is perfectly suited to. They also need a long-term successor to the Frenchman, with Erling Haaland believed to be the dream signing at the end of the 2023-24 or 2024-25 season.

Firmino has been a popular figure in Liverpool, helping fire them to Champions League and Premier League glory after joining from Hoffenheim in a €41 million deal in July 2015.

But this season he has seen his minutes impinged upon by big-money signings Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. He has still managed 12 goals in all competitions.

This reduced time helped convince Firmino to pursue a new challenge. He has scored 110 goals for Liverpool in 361 appearances.