LIVERPOOL cult hero Roberto Firmino has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, reports claim.
Real are looking for an experienced goalscorer to support Kylian Mbappe up top, after finishing second behind LaLiga champions Barcelona this season.
It comes just days after Madrid swooped Liverpool boyhood star Trent Alexander-Arnold, who ended his 20-year career at Anfield for sunny Spain.
And according to Spanish outlet AS Sport, Madrid are in the hunt for a new Joselu-like figure to come to the Bernabeu.
The former Stoke and Newcastle forward may have flopped in the Premier League, but he’s fondly remembered in the Spanish capital.
Joselu scored crucial goals en route to Real’s 2024 Champions League victory, most notably his two late notches in the semi-final win over Bayern Munich.
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Joselu, who came through the ranks at Real as a youngster, scored 18 goals in 49 appearances in all competitions as he played a vital support role after rejoining for a year aged 33.
And having been without such a prolific role player this year after Joselu joined Saudi side Al-Gharafa SC, Firmino has reportedly dropped onto Madrid‘s radar.
The Brazilian, 33, who once featured in one of most lethal Premier League front-threes with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, now plays in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli.
Firmino was linked with a shock move to Madrid before the end of Liverpool contract in 2023.
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After initially struggling to find his feet, Firmino has managed 21 goals in 65 appearances, and he captained Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite title this season.
Firmino is also seen as someone who could play a vital bench role for new manager Xabi Alonso, who also starred for both Liverpool and Madrid.
A move would allow youngster Gonzalo Garcia, 21, another year to develop after scoring 25 goals for Madrid‘s academy this season.
If does complete the switch, then Firmino would be reunited with former Liverpool team-mate Alexander-Arnold.
The pair who won it all at Liverpool during Jurgen Klopp’s golden years, including the club’s first-ever Premier League trophy and the 2019 Champions League title.
While Firmino was given a hero’s send-off when he was released in 2023, the England right-back faced heavy criticism from Liverpool fans, who were initially fuming about his free agent status.
But Madrid have since paid £10million to release Alexander-Arnold a month early from this contract that was due to end on June 30.
The Spanish giants were hell-bent on having the 26-year-old for the Club World Cup, starting on June 14 in the US.
Firmino would also have fellow Brazilians Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao as team-mates.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
