Tag Archives: Hoffenheim

Liverpool make Roberto Firmino their marquee signing of the summer

Posted on by
Reply

Liverpool won the race to sign heavily-coveted Hoffenheim forward Roberto Firmino for £29M this summer, with the Brazilian international opting for Merseyside over Manchester United. He’s the Reds fifth signing of the summer – Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan, Joe Gomez and James Milner – and is the club’s second-most expensive signing.

Firmino isn’t too well-known outside of the German Bundesliga, but he boasts an impressive record with a struggling Hoffenheim side that could hold him in good stead with a strong side like Liverpool. The Merseysiders have been desperate to bolster their attack, with Daniel Sturridge’s injury problems, and Raheem Sterling’s potential move to Manchester City likely to see Liverpool short for goals again.

As a result, manager Brendan Rodgers has laid his cards on the table, making the 23-year-old the club’s marquee arrival. Despite having been so active early in the summer transfer window, Firmino could be the biggest deal the club make ahead of the new season. While expensive, the young forward is talented, and has a good eye for a goal. He will link up with fellow Brazilians Lucas Leiva and Philippe Coutinho, so he should settle in fast.

Scoring and assisting 17 goals in 33 games in a mid-table Bundesliga side. He created 68 chances, and made 139 successful dribbles for the German outfit too. Firmino certainly has the quality to make a difference, and could be a wise investment should Sterling exit Anfield this summer.

Supporters have been crying out for Rodgers to fix their defensive problems, with the Reds having conceded 98 goals in the last two Premier League seasons. However, a lack of goals was also an issue that needed sorting from 2014/15, with Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini scoring only a handful of goals between them in Sturridge’s absence.

Liverpool couldn’t cope without Luis Suarez and Sturridge missing from their attack, evident from just seven goals by makeshift centre-forward Sterling. Departing captain Steven Gerrard was the side’s top scorer in the English top-flight, but still didn’t hit double figures for league goals last season.

Firmino’s rise to prominence sees him shining in this summer’s Copa America, and Liverpool will be hoping he enjoys as prolific debut campaign at Anfield to save Rodgers’ job, and help the side push for a top-four finish. The Reds perhaps paid over the odds for the forward, given the European talent available for a similar asking price, but Firmino could be the difference next season in an already highly-creative midfield.

What can supporters expect from Manchester United-target Roberto Firmino?

Posted on by
Reply

Manchester United were dealt a boost in their pursuit for Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino, with the Brazilian’s agent Roger Wittmann revealing he will be leaving for the Premier League this summer, saying: “All I can say is that he’s moving to England.” The Red Devils are the only side from England so heavily linked, so a deal is expected to go through in the coming weeks. So what can supporters expect to see if he makes the switch to Old Trafford?

The highly-rated star is versatile, capable of playing on either flank, as well as through the middle. He’s enjoyed a standout campaign in the German Bundesliga, scoring and creating 17 goals in 33 games, and is now ready to make the step up from a side fighting for survival in the division.

Firmino, 23 boasts a skill set similar to Barcelona’s Neymar, making 139 successful dribbles. Despite his individual brilliance, he sets up more opportunities for teammates than he takes on himself too, creating 68 chances. And he’s highly industrious, making 88 tackles and 37 interceptions. Such youthful exuberance can often see him go too foul – making 73 fouls – but Manchester United Louis van Gaal has identified a player with real potential.

He’s come of age considerably in the last two seasons, scoring 23 goals and making 21 assists in 66 league games played. Hoffenheim are resigned to losing him as a result, but want to be fairly compensated too. This season has seen Firmino represent the Brazilian national team, and he’s taken his chance to shine with both hands, scoring three goals in six appearances.

Supporters will be able to get a good look at him in this summer’s Copa America with Brazil, but it also means any deal to join the Red Devils may have to wait until the tournament is over. He won’t want to be distracted with talks about his future, which means United may have to wait a couple of weeks before anything is completed.

Van Gaal has recruited players in his team that are versatile and interchangeable, which is exactly why Firmino was on the club’s shortlist. In-form goalscoring industrious forwards are hard to find, and £20M for the 23-year-old is a good deal based on what has been seen of Firmino so far. He will entertain the crowd with his wide array of skills, and will hope to make a name for himself by firing the team to glory next season.