Roberto Firmino ‘is a target for new MLS side St Louis City’, while ‘Los Angeles FC are also keen’
MLS club St Louis City are looking to sign Roberto Firmino when his contract with Liverpool expires this summer.
It comes after the striker decided not to renew his Anfield contract after eight years and five major trophies at the club, a decision manager Jurgen Klopp admitted to being “surprised”.
Firmino, who joined from Hoffenheim in 2015, has scored 108 goals for the Reds and won both the Premier League and Champions League.
His playing time has been reduced this season due to injuries but the 31-year-old has still scored ten goals in all competitions.
He could be heading to America now as reports in the Sun claim St Louis City, who joined MLS earlier this year, are interested in signing the Liverpool star.
It could be a good option for Firmino as sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel was at Hoffenheim during the striker’s time.
MLS colleagues Los Angeles FC are believed to be keen on the Brazilian and “six unnamed European teams” are also said to have expressed interest.
Firmino failed to come through from the bench as Liverpool suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth on Saturday, but he did score the final goal in an impressive 7-0 win over rivals Manchester United the weekend before.
The two results were typical of a frustratingly volatile season for Liverpool.
When quizzed about Firminos’ exit ahead of the Bournemouth game, Klopp said: “It could have gone two ways. And (he decided) this one.
“I respect that very much and it’s totally normal in this long relationship that we have and that Bobby has with the club and the players.”
The manager added that Firmino would always be a popular player at Anfield.
“He told me (that he wants to go) and now I want to bring this wonderful story to a positive ending,” he said, “He’s still fully committed as you can imagine. And that’s all we need to know.
“Right now there is no time for goodbyes. We’ll have plenty of time for that later in the season.
“Whenever he comes back, the song will stay for a long, long time. I think he’s one of those players that people would be really happy to see, even if he comes back with an opposing team.