Reports suggest that Roberto Firmino, Liverpool’s star forward, has been approached by MLS side St Louis City SC ahead of his impending exit from the Premier League side this summer. The Brazilian had earlier announced that he would leave Liverpool at the end of his current contract, which expires on June 30. With an array of offers coming in from clubs across Europe and the rest of the world, the American outfit has officially approached Firmino regarding a summer switch.
According to MLS insider Tom Bogert, St Louis have a potential advantage in the transfer race for Firmino due to their sporting director, Lutz Pfannenstiel, a former director at Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Firmino had joined Liverpool from Hoffenheimin 2015, during Pfannestiel’s tenure. While Inter Milan have also shown interest in the 31-year-old, St Louis’ sporting director may give them an edge in the race to sign Firmino.
MLS is emerging as the fastest growing soccer league in the world and is becoming an increasingly popular destination for some of the best talents in Europe. St Louis, in particular, has been in record form, winning six of their first eight games since being founded. The team has scored more goals (20) than any other side in the league, and with their impressive performance, they hope to secure a deal with Firmino.
While other MLS sides are also likely to be interested in Firmino, joining St Louis would give the Brazilian forward a chance to become the face of the franchise and write his name into the early history books of the side. Moreover, he will join an elite list of players to make the switch to MLS, including former Liverpool stars Steven Gerrard, Robbie Keane, and Xherdan Shaqiri.
It remains to be seen whether Firmino will choose to move to MLS or Serie A, where Inter has also shown a keen interest in the soon-to-be-free agent. However, if he decides to join St Louis, he will need to forego his summer break due to the difference in season dates. The forward is free to sign for a new team on July 1, ending his remarkable tenure at Liverpool.
