Reports: Roberto Firmino, Liverpool In Advanced Talks Over $46M Transfer

Liverpool is ready to make a splash in the summer transfer market in the form of Roberto Firmino.

Liverpool has agreed in principle to sign Firmino from German club Hoffenheim in a transfer worth around £29 million ($45.6 million), according to Sky Sports, The BBC, The Liverpool Echo and The Telegraph.

Firmino currently is with Brazil’s national team at the 2015 COMNEBOL Copa America in Chile. Liverpool CEO Ian Ayre reportedly has flown to Chile to finalize the transfer, which would be the Reds’ fifth, and most significant, of the summer to date.

The Reds reportedly already have agreed in principle to terms with Hoffenheim over Firmino’s transfer fee and with the player over his contract. Liverpool would need to sort out third-party ownership issues surrounding Firmino, and he would need to require a work permit before he can move the club.

Firmnino wouldn’t officially join Liverpool until after July 1 or Brazil’s participation in Copa America is over.

Firmino, 23, is an attacking player who is at ease playing a central striker, withdrawn striker or wide forward.

Firmino joined Hoffenheim from Brazilian club Figueirense in 2011 on a transfer worth £3.5 million ($5.5 million). He initially struggled to make an impact but has flourished in the last two years. Firmino scored 35 goals in 140 appearances in all competitions for Hoffenheim, including 23 in Bundesliga (German first division) play since the start of the 2013-14 season.

If the reported transfer fee is correct, Firmino would become Liverpool’s second-most-expensive signing in history, behind Andy Carroll and his £35 million ($55 million) fee in 2011.

Firmino would join Danny Ings, James Milner, Adam Bogdan and Joe Gomez as Liverpool’s summer recruits if Ayre can complete the signing.