Roberto Firmino makes ‘historic’ Hugo Ekitike claim and reacts to possible Jurgen Klopp Liverpool return
Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino has had his say on the Reds’ new-look attack, recent form and whether Jurgen Klopp could return to the club as manager one day
17:17, 03 Nov 2025
Roberto Firmino of Al Sadd SC looks on before the Doha Bank Stars League Qatar match between Al Sadd SC and Qatar SC at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar(Image: Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto)
Roberto Firmino has had his say on Liverpool’s new-look attack as he backed his former club to soon find their best form. The Reds underwent something of a squad overhaul in the summer as they embarked on a £450m transfer spending spree off the back of their Premier League title win.
Liverpool brought in eight new senior players and broke the British transfer record twice as they signed Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz in £125m and £116m deals respectively.
Meanwhile, the Reds also landed Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth up to £79m to bolster Arne Slot’s attacking options, having sold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in a car crash.
OPINION
READ MORE: Liverpool told why Florian Wirtz joined them over Real Madrid as contract claim made
Firmino signed for Liverpool the last time they enjoyed such an active transfer window, with the Brazilian joining the Reds in a £29m deal from Hoffenheim in the summer of 2015.
He was one of three forwards signed that summer, along with Christian Benteke and Danny Ings, as Liverpool added seven new senior players to their ranks as part of an £84m splurge.
And having seen Ekitike make a similar switch from the Bundesliga to Anfield, Firmino has backed the Frenchman to build on what has been a strong start to his Liverpool career as he reacted to the Reds’ recruitment of both the 23-year-old and Isak.
“They’ve already proved that they’re top-class players,” he said. “I didn’t know Ekitike before he joined Frankfurt.
“He’s already shown his potential with goals and performances and seems to have a lot of desire to become a historic player for the club.
“I wish them both the best. It’s only the beginning of their time at Liverpool.
“Yes, of course (I still follow Liverpool). They had a good start to the season, now they’ve suffered a drop in performance.
“But I’m sure they’ll soon be back with everything they’ve got to compete for all the trophies.”
Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are both competing for the central striker position at Liverpool.
Firmino scored 111 goals and returned 72 assists from 362 appearances during eight seasons at Anfield. Winning every major honour with the Reds, the Brazilian is a modern Liverpool legend and was one-third of their famous attacking triumvirate alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane under Jurgen Klopp.
The 34-year-old remains in touch with both of his former team-mates. And having seen Klopp step away from management after leaving Liverpool in the summer of 2024, he believes the German will one day make a return to the dugout – though stopped short of predicting an Anfield return following his former manager’s recent comments on the Diary of a CEO podcast.
“Those were incredible years alongside them,” he told Flashscore. “We were part of a winning team for the eight years I was there, and we built a beautiful history.
“We speak from time to time. I’m very grateful to have played alongside these two stars.
“He (Klopp) was the best manager I’ve ever had. The memories I still have are incredible. I’m grateful to have worked alongside him.
“I learnt a lot from him, and I think I was able to repay him for what he expected of me.
“I think he’s taking a break, I think he’s going to go back to coaching a club. Whether it’s Liverpool, only he can say.”
Firmino moved to Qatar in the summer as he signed for Al-Sadd following two years with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, having helped them win the AFC Champions League in his final season with the club.
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Signing a two-year contract, the Brazilian will be 36 years old when his current deal expires.
When asked if retirement could be on the cards in 2027, or if he would consider a return to Europe or Brazil, Firmino conceded he is yet to make a decision about his long-term future.
“It’s hard to say,” he said. “I want to focus on my club and help as much as I can with goals, titles, and assists.
“Today I’m only thinking about here; tomorrow belongs to God.”
