Liverpool Transfer News: Roberto Firmino Deal 'Imminent,' Mateo Kovacic Rumours

Liverpool have agreed a five-year deal for Hoffenheim midfielder Roberto Firmino, according to reports in the player’s home country of Brazil.

Globoesporte.com (h/t Marc Williams of the Daily Star) claim a transfer fee of £17.8 million has been struck for the Selecao star. Williams noted interest from Manchester United in Firmino, but at this juncture, it seems as though Anfield is the 23-year-old’s most likely transfer destination.

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Football journalist Rafael Hernandez attested to the credibility of the source but encouraged Liverpool supporters excited about a potential deal to exercise caution:

Sky Sports News HQ also confirmed that Liverpool have held talks with the player:

It’s easy to see why the prospect of Firmino has got those on Merseyside excited. While he may not be a household name for a lot of casual fans, the Brazilian has been a standout player for Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for a while now, and he looks primed to make the next step in what should be an engrossing playing career.

As we can see here courtesy of WhoScored.com (h/t The Anfield Talk), Firmino is one of European football’s top dribblers:

Blessed with tremendous technical ability, refined footballing instincts and an appetite for goals, Firmino is the kind of player that could potentially take the Reds to the next level. The prospect of him linking up with compatriot Philippe Coutinho next season is certainly a tantalising proposition for those on the Kop.

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But as noted here by Alex Chaffer of FourFourTwo—a Bundesliga expert—it’s important Firmino adds some consistency to his game:

Indeed, the fact that Liverpool are poised to sign the Brazilian and not a European juggernaut point to refinements which need to be made in the player’s skill set. But the talent is beyond dispute and Firmino is a player who would be a thrilling addition to this Reds side.

Any supporters hoping for an imminent deal may have to wait a little longer yet, however, with the Brazil international currently playing a key role for his country at the Copa America. But with momentum building behind this rumour, you can guarantee Liverpool supporters will tune in to the Selecao’s upcoming clashes with a much keener interest.

Mateo Kovacic On The Move

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Internazionale have made some encouraging strides in the transfer window this summer, but they will let Mateo Kovacic leave the San Siro in the coming weeks, with Liverpool still keen on a transfer, according to the Sun (h/t Williams of the Daily Star).

Williams suggested the Nerazzurri are “reluctant” to sell, but they will let the Croatia international leave having already completed a deal for Geoffrey Kondogbia. Rodgers, it is claimed in the piece, sees Kovacic as a long-term replacement for recently departed club captain Steven Gerrard.

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There is some confusion with these assertions, however. Most notably, Kondogbia and Kovacic are completely different types of players. While the latter is adaptable and can play deeper in midfielder, his intricate playing style is far removed from the all-action physicality which is the basis of the Frenchman’s game.

As noted by David Amoyal of GianlucaDiMarzio.com, it’s clear Inter are building a youthful, talented core of players as they bid to climb back up the Serie A standings:

Selling a player like Kovacic would be at odds with the obvious philosophy the club are looking to instil. He was a bright spark during a desperate 2014-15 for the Milan giants, and with players like Kondogbia providing some assurance in midfield, Kovacic would be afforded extra freedom in his game.

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If Liverpool do land Firmino, then Kovacic isn’t a player they really need either. Here’s how the two compared in league matches last season alongside Liverpool's own midfield maestro:

	Firmino	Kovacic	Coutinho
Apps (Sub)	33	26 (9)	32 (3)
Goals	7	5	5
Assists	10	3	5
Shots per Game	2.9	1.2	2.9
Passes per Game	39.8	53.1	45.7
Key Passes per Game	2.1	1.8	1.7

Sources have also recently claimed the Reds have no interest in Kovacic, as we can see here courtesy of Dominic King of the Daily Mail:

Kovacic really established himself last season and a move this summer could potentially sap the momentum out of the recent strides he has made as a young footballer. As such, the best course of action for him would be to stay with Inter and become a critical cog in what’s shaping up to be an effervescent young side.