Firmino's post-Liverpool future: 'Atletico Madrid one to watch'

Stuart Telford

• 10 Mar 2023 05:29 CST
• 3 min read

Bobby Firmino has no shortage of suitors in MLS but a move to La Liga and Atletico Madrid could be more likely according to CBS Sports Golazo journalist and FootballTransfers' collaborator Ben Jacobs.

Firmino will bring the curtain down on eight successful seasons with Liverpool at the end of the current campaign, with his contract set to expire in June.

Since arriving from Hoffenheim in a €41 million deal in the summer of 2015, the Brazilian has won the Premier League and Champions League, plundering 108 goals and 79 assists along the way, and he remains a popular figure at Anfield.

READ: Firmino in agent's 'first' after deciding to leave Liverpool

But the forward has made clear to manager Jurgen Klopp that he plans to leave at the end of the season. Out of respect to the club, he is yet to discuss terms with anyone else - something Firmino's agent Roger Wittmann said was a 'first' in his career.

But that doesn't mean there will be any shortage of takers for Firmino, as outlined by Jacobs.

'Atletico one to watch'

"MLS clubs, including Atalanta United, have historically considered Firmino, knowing as he hits his early thirties a move may be possible, but even six months ago the feedback they received was he still could extend at Liverpool," he wrote in his CaughtOffside column.

READ: 'Not just Firmino' - Romano reveals other Liverpool stars heading for exit

"That tells you Firmino's decision was not made lightly and now Atalanta have added Giorgos Giakoumakis from Celtic. I still think Firmino can go and join a big Champions League club. I am told Atletico Madrid is one to watch."

There are other reports linking Firmino with a move to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, and although both are strikers, Firmino is such a selfless player that a partnership with the Portuguese in Saudi Arabia might work.

He also has a higher ceiling than Giakoumakis should Atlanta come back in for him, although as with Ronaldo, Firmino's ability to play as a Mo.10/No.9.5 would make him compatible with the Greek too.