Signing an up and coming attacking talent is always an exciting prospect. Beating a rival to his signature is always the cherry on top of the cake.
Early on Wednesday morning, English Premier League giants Liverpool officially confirmed the signing of Brazilian ace Roberto Firmino from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
After an impressive season in Germany, the Selecao attacker was tipped with a move to England, but Manchester United were believed favorites to land the 23-year-old.
Currently on international duty with his national side at the Copa America in Chile, it was Brendan Rodgers’ crew who emerged victorious in the race for his signature, having signed him for £29m on a five-year contract.
#LFC are delighted to announce they have signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim, subject to a medical #FirminoLFC pic.twitter.com/rWRHhTmHuB
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 24, 2015
The 23-year-old has agreed a long-term deal and will undergo the medical after his participation at the Copa America with Brazil #FirminoLFC
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 24, 2015
The transfer fee makes him the club’s second most expensive player, after Andy Carroll's £35m Anfield arrival back in 2011.
The player has been handed a wage of over £100,000 per week, and will complete his medical at Liverpool upon returning from the 2015 Copa America. A work permit for the Brazilian is still required, though.
Manager Brendan Rodgers, however, is still not believed to be done in the transfer market, eyeing moves for Sevilla hitman Carlos Bacca and Zenit St. Petersburg's Salomon Rondon.
Reaction to the signing of Firmino was mainly positive on Twitter, though some were on the fence over his £29m price tag, whilst others questioned what the move meant for contract rebel Raheem Sterling's future at the club. Check out the best tweets below.
Never heard of this bloke Firmino, but unless he's another Andy Carroll, £29m says he might be quite decent
— Matthew Whiley (@MatthewWhiley) June 24, 2015
3 footie questions then. Is @LFC new £29m signing Firmino any good? If so, why did we sign Danny Ings? And what now for Sterling's future?
— Craig Kendall (@craigsteruk) June 24, 2015
The fee means nothing. 29m is peanuts especially if they sell Sterling for 40m. Firmino >>>>>> Sterling
— Lewis (@Lewbob91) June 24, 2015
Not taking away anything from Firmino, what a talent. But 29m? Nah not worth that much but still will improve Liverpool immensely.
— M™ (@Herreraholic) June 24, 2015
£29M? I didn't even know who this Firmino bloke was lol
— Virtuösö (@DrissyParker) June 24, 2015
Sell Sterling for £50, have Firmino as his replacement for £29m and still have £21m to play with. Great bit of business by Liverpool
— Jamie Firkin (@JohnnyThunder88) June 24, 2015
£29m for Firmino though
— Cunty McFuckstick (@JurassicShart_) June 24, 2015
£29m is a lot of money but have to admit I've been impressed by Firmino when I've seen him. Given they have Coutinho it surprises me though
— Andy H (@Andy_H_EFC) June 24, 2015
Firmino only has 77 pace on fifa which makes him average. No idea why they are spending 30m when hes quick sell value.
— ㅤㅤ (@Evertxn) June 24, 2015