Liverpool Transfer News: Roberto Firmino Signs New Hoffenheim Contract

Liverpool transfer target Roberto Firmino has ended speculation of a Premier League switch by signing a new deal with Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, per Sky Sports’ Thomas Zocher.

With Firmino's current contract expiring next summer, Liverpool joined a list of suitors chasing the 22-year-old’s signature, including Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Firmino, who is yet to appear for the Brazilian national side, has been the shining star in Hoffenheim’s season, as Bundesliga reporter Alex Chaffer reflects via Twitter:

The young playmaker spoke to Hoffenheim’s official website, translation via Sky Sports, following the completion of his contract renewal and said, “I am really excited about being at Hoffenheim 1899. I really like the idea the club is after. We are playing a thrilling way and the team spirit among the squad is just great."

Meanwhile, Hoffenheim manager Markus Gisdol was equally delighted to see the midfielder extend his stay. He expressed his delight to the club website, via Sky Sports: "It's very good news for the club. My compliments to (Hoffenheim general manager) Alexander Rosen for working out this agreement. Roberto Firmino is an important player of our squad.”

Firmino started his professional career with Brazilian side Figueirense but was snapped up by Hoffenheim in 2011 and is enjoying his most fruitful spell with the Bundesliga outfit in this campaign.

Per ESPNFC.com, Firmino has 19 goals in all competitions this season, eclipsing the goal totals in his last three seasons in Germany combined by four goals.

Despite the goal-hungry Merseysiders almost being at the stage where the Anfield nets need replacing, having a player of Firmino's calibre would have done nothing but add spice to an already lethal setup. 

So, who’s next on the wish list?

After Liverpool saw Mohamed Salah snatched from their grasp by Chelsea in January, it’s clear that Brendan Rodgers is looking to bring skilful yet industrious midfielders to Anfield.

According to talkSPORT, Rubin Kazan’s French midfielder Yann M'Vila tops Rodgers’ transfer plans and was photographed watching the Merseyside derby among the Liverpool faithful at Goodison Park back in November.

The 23-year-old would give Rodgers the kind of player he’s been craving since long before the Salah saga. As the Firmino door slams slut, the M'Vila door could well be opening.