'El Chiringuito de Jugones' claims that Philippe Coutinho has recommended the signing of former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino.
Barcelona are reportedly eyeing Liverpool's Roberto Firmino as a potential replacement for misfiring striker Luis Suárez, with former Red Philippe Coutinho said to be urging the Blaugrana to sign his fellow Brazil international.
Firmino tipped to replace Suárez at Barcelona
The television show 'El Chiringuito de Jugones' reports that Suárez's poor scoring form this season - the Uruguayan has just three goals in 11 appearances so far - has led Barça to consider the summer signing of Firmino, who has become a key figure at Anfield since joining from Hoffenheim in 2015.
And 'El Chiringuito' adds that Firmino, who shared a dressing room with Coutinho for two and a half years before the latter left Liverpool for Barcelona in January, has been given a glowing reference at the Camp Nou by his compatriot.
Barcelona keeping faith in Suárez
However, Liverpool are not expected to countenance anything other than an eye-watering offer for the ace, who has now established himself as a regular for Brazil. Meanwhile, Barcelona's coaching staff are said to be confident that Suárez - who has hit 155 goals in 209 games for the LaLiga giants - will not take long to rediscover his touch in front of goal
Argentinawin
199
I think we can change our team a bit. We should let coutinho play as forward along with Messi and dembele. Suarez as backup. Because we have many good midfielders waiting for their chances. Let Aleña, Denis, Arthur play more. Then it will be much more stronger, we cannot wait for Suarez’s good form for forever, he is the best in his position but we should give others chances. Dembele was playing really well but he was not playing that much in last four matches ... why shall we let coutinho as winger and Messi false nine Messi doesn’t matter he can play anywhere. We have many great players men
nikanni
132
Firmino would be a much better attacking mid than he's a forward .... he's movement, passing, selflessness and creativity are his biggest assets as compared to being a goal scorer. For us Firmino is a 'striker' only on paper, if you look at his heat map you'll see something that looks much much closer to a midfielder than a striker. That's why this seems like either bullshit or a terrible plan. He just isn't the player they need who'll score all the goals. Bobby absolutely flourished last season and its no coincidence that he did so when he wasn't the main person relied upon for goals Yeah you could say exactly the same for Rooney around that age. What you don't realise is the freedom he has in that role. He presses and wins the ball back a lot but without any real defensive responsibility. Attacking midfielders are a lot closer to being strikers than central midfielders. I guarantee you if one day Klopp put Firmino as a CM, your ideas of having him in midfield would change.
Ocioso
118
I’d be very surprised if Firmino bought into the same “operation” like Coutinho did, he seems to be very happy at Liverpool and grateful for the platform that the club and Klopp have provided him, but I guess a players true colours are shown when one of the true giants come knocking.
kookiss
63
My god, the delusional sense of entitlement is overwhelming. Firmino is the most Klopp player I've ever seen, it won't be easy to pry him away and even less easier now that Liverpool are actually a very good team with a settled style and a manager that everyone at the club loves. Can the same be said for Barcelona?