‘I was shocked and Surprised’: Darren Bent left shocked after latest Chelsea transfer news
Roberto Firmino is unlikely to return England and join Chelsea this month.
That is according to talkSPORT pundit Darren Bent.
Roberto Firmino, 32, is currently playing his football in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ahli. He’s most recognised for the 362 Liverpool appearances earlier in his career, though.
Interestingly, the Brazilian frontman has been liked with a potential return to the Premier League.
The Telegraph suggested last week that Chelsea may need to find a short-term fix for their No 9 position by looking towards Firmino or Karim Benzema.
Bent has been left shocked by the Firmino speculation. He’s pretty adamant that the South American attacker won’t end up at Stamford Bridge as a Blues player, though.
“Surprised me that,” Bent commented on talkSPORT about the Firmino to Chelsea rumours.
“The reason why it surprises me is the whole Liverpool connection. Now, I know Rafa [Benitez] did it. But Rafa’s got thick skin, so he doesn’t really care. But Firmino to go to Chelsea, and Chelsea Liverpool, that history there, they don’t like each other at all.
“Would he go to Chelsea? I can’t see Firmino going to Chelsea, I just can’t.
“If you look at his time at Liverpool, I know he sacrificed himself because of the other two, Mane and Salah. But his link-up play and hold-up play was arguably one of the best in the league. He wasn’t prolific, was he. He scored goals. But he wasn’t prolific. Going to Chelsea, I’m not sure that’s what they need. They need someone who’s going to put the ball in the net.”
Roberto Firmino to Chelsea
We agree that we can’t imagine this deal happening. However, we’ll wait and see if the transfer interest ramps up during the remainder of the January window.
Our preference would be for Chelsea to bring in a proven goalscorer before the window shuts, but it’s better to wait until the summer than to do something rash. We don’t want a repeat of the Joao Felix situation.
The Guardian has just reported that Chelsea will only allow Armando Broja to leave in January if they sign a replacement striker.