Jurgen Klopp holds meeting with Roberto Firmino over his future after Cody Gakpo’s signing

Jurgen Klopp holds meeting with Roberto Firmino over his future after Cody Gakpo’s signing

Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino is out of contract at the end of the season but Jurgen Klopp wants to keep the Brazilian forward despite the arrival of Cody Gakpo from PSV on Wednesday.

Firmino’s future is now being discussed by Liverpool, according to Jurgen Klopp, who also acknowledged that the signing of Cody Gakpo has “no impact” on the club’s choice.

Following their hijacking of Manchester United’s pursuit of the 23-year-old international from the Netherlands, the Reds announced his arrival on Wednesday. Gakpo has signed a long-term contract at Anfield for about £45 million after scoring three goals in five World Cup appearances for his nation.

Gakpo’s arrival has created fears over Firmino’s future, though, since the 31-year-contract old’s expires in the summer of 2019. With Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Gakpo, and Firmino making up their forward department, Liverpool currently has six senior recognised attackers in the squad.

But with Jota and Diaz out injured, Liverpool acted fast to bring in Gakpo ahead of a hectic January – a period that could define the Reds’ season. Firmino has been excellent for Liverpool this season and Klopp has no plans on getting rid of the Brazilian despite the signing of Gakpo.

Roberto Firmino (Getty Images)

When asked about Firmino’s future and whether Gakpo’s arrival will have an impact, Klopp told his pre-match press conference: “No. We had talks with Bobby. From my point of view, I want him definitely to stay. It has no impact. If it affects Bobby then you’d have to ask him.”

The next game for Liverpool is against Leicester City on Friday night. Firmino has a great record against the Foxes, scoring six goals against them. Due to an injury, Firmino was left out of Liverpool’s lineup for their Boxing Day match against Aston Villa, although he could make a comeback against Leicester.

Liverpool had a difficult start to the season but have seemingly picked up of late, winning their last three matches.

He added: “We are in the chasing mood. We have to be very uncomfortable to be everyone who faces us. Villa was super intense, I loved the start, was really different from a lot of games we played this season. We need it again.

“With the break we have had, we feel really fresh. We are really excited to go again

On what he expects from the challenge of Leicester, Klopp said: “I expect a reaction (from Leicester after losing to Newcastle) and a tough game. They could change their system which makes it more difficult. But we have to push through what we want to do – it’s been a long time since we played at home.”

In other news, (Video) What happened when Cody Gakpo met Jurgen Klopp at AXA training centre