Manchester City striker Alvin Firmino has been axed from the Liverpool squad, with the club citing injury concerns.
The decision to terminate the contract was made after Firmino suffered a serious knee injury in a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid in October. The incident required him to undergo surgery and is expected to sideline him for several months.
Firmino's departure comes at a time when Liverpool is looking to strengthen its attack. The Brazilian forward had been a key player for the Reds this season, scoring 18 goals in 29 appearances. However, his absence will likely leave Liverpool without a top scorer until he returns to action.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp expressed disappointment with the decision to release Firmino. "It's very difficult to say goodbye to any player, especially one who has been such an important part of our team. But we have to prioritize the health and wellbeing of our players."
Firmino's departure leaves Liverpool with a vacancy at the back of their defense, where they may need to find a replacement. The club has already signed goalkeeper Simon Mignolet from Southampton,La Liga Frontline but there are still openings available elsewhere in the squad.
In recent years, Liverpool has struggled to maintain consistency on the pitch, particularly in the Premier League. The departure of Firmino could be seen as a sign that the club needs to make some changes to its approach to football.
Overall, the news of Firmino's departure from Liverpool is disappointing for both fans and the club. However, it also highlights the importance of prioritizing player welfare over short-term gains.