"Crucial for us" - Jurgen Klopp rules out Roberto Firmino transfer

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has ruled out a summer transfer for Roberto Firmino.

The forward has recently been linked with a move to Juventus.

However, Klopp has confirmed that Firmino, who has been a Liverpool player since 2015, is an "essential" part of his plans for this season.

As quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano on his official Twitter account, the German said: “Bobby is crucial for us, the heart and soul of this team. 

“Everything looks really good and I am absolutely fine with Firmino. For me, no doubt about his quality, so yes, he is essential for us."

Anfield Watch Verdict

Firmino is a solid player. The 30-year-old forward scored 11 goals and registered five assists in 35 appearances for Liverpool's first-team last campaign.

So, Firmino is capable of winning games for the Reds at the backend of his career. The Brazil international is no longer a regular starter for the Reds, which is why he has been linked with a move away from Anfield.

But, the reality is, Firmino will still get plenty of opportunity this season. Liverpool play in the Premier League, Champions League, League Cup and FA Cup.

Therefore, squad rotation is necessary. As Klopp has pointed out in the past, Firmino offers something different to his teammates, which obviously gives him a point of difference.

“He’s a very important player for us, he’s a connector. He’s the best offensive defender I ever saw in my life, definitely,” he said back in October 2021, as quoted by This Is Anfield.

“He’s a ball chaser, he’s incredibly smart with all the things he’s doing, technically on the highest level and is able to play in the smallest spaces.

“Can make incredibly good decisions in a really short (space of) time and on top of that scores goals as well.

“That’s why we are all so happy when time to time he rewards himself with a hat-trick (like) last week, or whatever.

“Everyone in the team loves it because obviously sometimes you think he’s a bit short of getting the praise for the effort he puts in.

“I’m not sure about the numbers, but I’m 100 percent sure as an offensive player he ran the most in the last game at Atletico and that says a lot!

“He’s a brilliant boy and a brilliant player. It’s really a joy to work together with him."