Liverpool have the NEW Roberto Firmino as striker signs landmark deal

Liverpool may have secured the next Roberto Firmino after striking a landmark deal with an exciting talent.

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The Brazilian forward was adored during his time at Anfield. Firmino became a fan favourite both for his incredible technical ability as well as his insatiate appetite to win the ball back.

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Liverpool haven't quite replaced him since his departure in 2023. And even though the club's attacking options are well stacked at the moment, it is moot whether they are all the right fit for Arne Slot's style of play.

The reality remains that Liverpool could use someone like Firmino. Slot alluded to this earlier this month when he spoke about wanting his no.9 to be both a goal-scorer and a facilitator - a description that pretty much summarises Firmino.

Richard Hughes is expected to dip into the market to secure the right profile for Slot. But there is also an exciting player making his name in the club's academy who could also fulfil that Firmino void in years to come.

Why Josh Sonni-Lambie is Liverpool's next Firmino

One of the most interesting academy players at Liverpool right now is Josh Sonni-Lambie. The 17-year-old forward was playing at grassroots level in London a few years ago before being spotted by the club's scouts.

Since then, he has signed his first professional contract at the club in what is a landmark deal for the teenager considering where he was playing just a few years prior.

It's a reward that's also well deserved. Sonni-Lambie has been one of the best players for the club's U18 team playing as a no.9.

Playing in a side that has lost nine of their first 14 games of the season, Sonni-Lambie has been a rare bright-spark making nine goal contributions while playing every match for the Reds in the U18 Premier League so far.

In total, he has scored six goals and registered three assists.

Unlike a more traditional no.9 like Jayden Danns, Sonni-Lambie is more in the mould of Roberto Firmino. He thrives with playing with his back to goal and is very adept at dropping back into midfield.

This season he averages 3.62 dribbles per 90 and completes 60% of his attempts while also averaging 4.46 defensive duels and making 1.46 interceptions.

His work-rate when it comes to defensive transitions is second to none.

Sonni-Lambie's profile is exactly that of a creator and a goal-scorer. There are shades of Firmino in the way he plays, some of his first touches and movement resemble the Brazilian in his prime.

The work-ethic too. He runs his socks off on the pitch and it's no surprise he's making impressive strides in the academy.

Recently, he's made his U19 UEFA Youth League debut and it will only be a matter of time until he is promoted to the club's U21 side as well.

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He can still grow physically, but at 17 years old, he is a very intriguing talent. The kind of player who might just be ready to make the step to the first team in a couple of years time.

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