Liverpool star targeted as Barcelona eye sensational swap deal

Liverpool return to Premier League action on Saturday, as they host Brighton and Hove Albion who will have Roberto De Zerbi in charge for the first time. 

The Reds have started the season slowly by their own high standards, winning just two of their opening six matches, and find themselves in eighth place ahead of the visit of The Seagulls.

The likes of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been far from their best in the season’s opening weeks, while Jurgen Klopp has also had to deal with injuries to several of his midfielders.

One player that has been in good form for Liverpool is Roberto Firmino, who thrived during the absence of Darwin Nunez.

Nunez, who signed for Liverpool from Benfica for £67.5 million over the summer, was sent off on his home debut against Crystal Palace and missed The Reds’ following three games.

Firmino has less than a year remaining on his current Liverpool contract

During that time, Firmino scored three goals and provided three assists, including a brace against Bournemouth.

Many expected the Brazilian to struggle for game time following the arrival of Nunez, but Firmino has instead impressed.

Now, though, it appears that Klopp may face a battle to keep hold of his striker.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, La Liga side Barcelona are plotting a potential swap deal that would see Firmino move to Catalunya and Memphis Depay move in the opposite direction.

Both players are set to be out of contract next summer, and the Spanish giants are now hopeful of instigating a swap deal.

It remains unknown whether or not Liverpool are intent on extending Firmino’s deal.

Former Manchester United man Depay was heavily linked with an exit from the Nou Camp over the summer, but he ultimately stayed put.

The Dutchman scored just seven goals and registered six assists in 53 games for The Red Devils, before leaving for Lyon in January 2017.

Since arriving in Catalunya in 2021 Depay has struggled to maintain a regular starting spot, with the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Robert Lewandowski often selected ahead of him.

This season, he made just two league appearances, scoring one goal.