The Merseysiders have dithered over signings previously, missing out on the likes of Alexis Sanchez, but have finally acted decisively to land a key target
The clock struck seven o’clock this morning whenLiverpool’s official Twitter feed announced they had agreed terms to sign Roberto Firmino on a five-year deal, subject to a medical which will take place after Brazil conclude their involvement in the Copa America.In the Premier League era, Liverpool have not done much of this - moving in on a transfer target while others are still waking up.
When Manchester United signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Liverpool had been scouting him for months. Phil Thompson, the then assistant manager, travelled to Portugal to watch Sporting Lisbon play Porto. Ronaldo was 18 years old and would cost Liverpool €5.6 million, according to one of the player’s representatives.
Between Thompson, Gerard Houllier, chief executive Rick Parry and the board, Liverpool dithered. Seven days later, Thompson was having lunch following a training session when Sky Sports News announced Ronaldo was Old Trafford-bound for €17.2m.
There are other familiar stories of how Liverpool used to do it, decisively and successfully, scout Geoff Twentyman driving the length and breadth of Britain in Bill Shankly’s Ford Cortina in the pursuit of players that few knew of.
One of his first recommendations was 20-year-old Kevin Keegan, who sat on a wheelie bin outside Anfield without being bothered by anyone, before entering a Portakabin and scrawling his signature on a contract, while refurbishment work on the Main Stand took place across the car park.
Firmino might not be Keegan. For a start, he will probably complete the deal smiling awkwardly into a camera before being photographed leaning on a bannister somewhere at Melwood, as most of Liverpool’s new signings tend to do these days. But the parallels are there.
Anfield is being rebuilt. It requires big signings to fill it. Liverpool cannot rely on its history and worldwide support if it wants to progress on the pitch.
One of his first recommendations was 20-year-old Kevin Keegan, who sat on a wheelie bin outside Anfield without being bothered by anyone, before entering a Portakabin and scrawling his signature on a contract, while refurbishment work on the Main Stand took place across the car park.
Firmino might not be Keegan. For a start, he will probably complete the deal smiling awkwardly into a camera before being photographed leaning on a bannister somewhere at Melwood, as most of Liverpool’s new signings tend to do these days. But the parallels are there.
Anfield is being rebuilt. It requires big signings to fill it. Liverpool cannot rely on its history and worldwide support if it wants to progress on the pitch.
Firmino’s fee is steep. With add-ons, he will become the second-most expensive buy in Liverpool’s history and it is one that needed to be made at this moment. Temporarily, at least, it relieves some of the pressure on Brendan Rodgers. It should also inspire some trust between a fanbase that is widely disillusioned and a Boston-based ownership group that was rarely seen at matches last season.
NOT-SO-SUPER MARIO | After missing out on Alexis Sanchez, Liverpool instead signed Mario Balotelli - the Italian scored one Premier League goal in 16 appearances (Getty Images)
TOP TARGET | Liverpool stole a march on numerous teams to land Roberto Firmino, who becomes the club's second most expensive signing ever (Getty Images)
BIG SPENDERS | Firmino is second only to Andy Carroll on the list of Liverpool's most expensive signings (Getty Images)
Symbolically, perhaps, Firmino’s recruitment is a reflection of the times: Liverpool required a trophy signing.
The crucial moment of last summer for Liverpool was missing out on Alexis Sanchez who went to Arsenal supposedly because he and his family were desperate to live in London. It has been overlooked since that Arsenal also offered Sanchez considerably more in wages.
While Sanchez scored 25 times for Arsenal, helping them qualify for the Champions League and win the FA Cup, Liverpool bought Mario Balotelli instead. The struggles that followed were not solely down to the Italian but there is no doubt that his uninspiring tally of four goals contributed towards Liverpool finishing outside the top four and without any silverware.
Symbolically, perhaps, Firmino’s recruitment is a reflection of the times: Liverpool required a trophy signing.
The crucial moment of last summer for Liverpool was missing out on Alexis Sanchez who went to Arsenal supposedly because he and his family were desperate to live in London. It has been overlooked since that Arsenal also offered Sanchez considerably more in wages.
While Sanchez scored 25 times for Arsenal, helping them qualify for the Champions League and win the FA Cup, Liverpool bought Mario Balotelli instead. The struggles that followed were not solely down to the Italian but there is no doubt that his uninspiring tally of four goals contributed towards Liverpool finishing outside the top four and without any silverware.
Manchester United and Chelsea were linked with Firmino but Liverpool got the deal done without much fuss and in a relatively short space of time.
In Firmino, Liverpool have bought straight backed-elegance, a right foot, and most importantly assists and goals. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder created 10 and scored seven for Hoffenheim last season. It is likely that he will replace Raheem Sterling, who, ironically, covets a move to London mainly because his family have moved back there, though Manchester City remain his keenest pursuers.
Statistically – and Liverpool’s transfer committee like a statistic – Firmino either matched or bettered Sterling during the 2014-15 season. Yet there was one area where Sterling was superior, the England international creating 75 goalscoring opportunities compared to Firmino’s 69.
Sterling will argue he was not working alongside a striker capable of improving the data of those around him. It remains to be seen whether Firmino is more fortunate.
In Firmino, Liverpool have bought straight backed-elegance, a right foot, and most importantly assists and goals. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder created 10 and scored seven for Hoffenheim last season. It is likely that he will replace Raheem Sterling, who, ironically, covets a move to London mainly because his family have moved back there, though Manchester City remain his keenest pursuers.
Statistically – and Liverpool’s transfer committee like a statistic – Firmino either matched or bettered Sterling during the 2014-15 season. Yet there was one area where Sterling was superior, the England international creating 75 goalscoring opportunities compared to Firmino’s 69.
Sterling will argue he was not working alongside a striker capable of improving the data of those around him. It remains to be seen whether Firmino is more fortunate.
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