"Liverpool will shuffle their pack this summer" - Kevin Campbell suggests key player could be sacrificed at the end of the season

Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell has suggested that striker Roberto Firmino's days at Liverpool could be numbered. He claimed that the Brazilian could be sacrificed by the Reds at the end of the season as they look to shuffle their squad.

Campbell reckons Firmino still has what it takes to be a first-team regular at any big club and could be moved on by Liverpool.

The 30-year-old's contract expires at Anfield in the summer of 2023, along with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

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Campbell believes the Reds won't consider Firmino a priority ahead of Salah and Mane. Campbell told Football Insider:

“I’ll be honest, I think Firmino will go even though I would like to see him stay. He is good enough to be a starter at another big club though. Liverpool will shuffle their pack this summer. I really think they will. Mane and Salah also need new contracts. It is very difficult to sign them all on the kind of wages they will want. It will be very interesting to see who signs and who doesn’t. I don’t think Firmino is the priority though.”

Should Liverpool let Firmino go?

From a football perspective, there is no way Jurgen Klopp would want to part ways with Roberto Firmino.

The 30-year-old is fondly called 'El Systemino' by Liverpool fans for a reason and the Brazilian remains a unique player.

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have made the headlines on a weekly basis thanks to their goals. But Firmino's contribution to the club's success has been unparalleled. He has scored 98 goals and made 73 assists in 323 games for the club since joining in 2015.

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The former Hoffenheim star has been an unsung hero at Anfield, making them tick with his work rate, vision and relentless pressing.

However, following the arrivals of Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz, Firmino now appears to be the fifth choice forward in Klopp's pecking order. If Liverpool choose to tie both Salah and Mane down with improved deals, the No. 9 might have to be offloaded.

From Firmino's point of view, a move away from Anfield also makes sense as he will get regular playing time elsewhere.

The next contract could be the last big one in the career of the forward and he must choose carefully.

The 30-year-old has 11 goals and four assists in 31 games across all competitions this season.

About the author

Snehanjan is a journalist at Sportskeeda covering European football news. A hardcore Liverpool fan for over two decades, he has been covering the game since the past 8 years and always strives to give readers relevant, accurate and credible content.

Snehanjan developed an interest in football at a very young age, thanks to his father watching football on TV. His favorite player is club legend Steven Gerrard and his favorite manager is another legend in Jurgen Klopp. The ‘Miracle of Istanbul’ i.e., Liverpool beating AC Milan in the 2005 UEFA Champions League final left an indelible mark on him. He believes that Liverpool is a family unlike other top clubs, which sets them apart.

Snehanjan also follows Indian Super League and the I-League, although the latter is closer to his heart. If he could change a rule in football, it would be VAR not pointing out mistakes of on-field officials unless they are clear and obvious errors. Outside the football world, Snehanjan likes to explore the various genres of music and watch movies and shows on OTT. He’s also a car enthusiast and likes to follow the automobile world.

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Edited by Aditya Singh