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Topics: Roberto Firmino, Barcelona, Liverpool
Josh Lawless
Roberto Firmino has reportedly agreed his next move after deciding to leave Liverpool in the summer.
The Brazilian is ending his glittering eight-year stint with the Reds, with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Now 31, Firmino is no longer a regular starter at Liverpool, with both Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez preferred in attack these days.
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However, the decision still came as a major surprise to manager Jurgen Klopp, who vowed to "bring this wonderful story to a positive end" after the announcement was made.
The former Hoffenheim man has been linked with a number of teams, with Chelsea and Real Madrid both said to be interested in Firmino.
Atletico Madrid, Galatasaray, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr were also touted as potential suitors.
However, the Daily Mail say Firmino has agreed a deal to join Barcelona on a free transfer and will follow both Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho in moving to the Blaugrana.
Firmino, who scored an equaliser for Liverpool against Arsenal at Anfield, has been ruled out for the next three games with a hamstring problem but will no doubt be given a special send-off by the club in his final home game.
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Since signing in a £29 million switch in 2015, Firmino has notched 109 goals in 360 games and lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup.
Issuing an update on Firmino's fitness ahead of the meeting with Nottingham Forest, Klopp told a press conference.
“Unfortunately Bobby picked up a muscle issue a little bit.
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“We will see how long that takes. It’s not too serious but he is definitely out for tomorrow and next week we have two more games, I would say they are impossible as well and then we will see. We have to take it day by day.”