The Brazil international has agreed a five-year contract,
worth more than a £100,000 per week.
He requires a work permit and will complete the formalities
of a medical at Anfield once the Copa America is over.
Firmino, who had been linked with Manchester United, has
been Liverpool’s top target for the summer window and completing the transfer
is a statement of intent.
The Reds will pay £22m up front as part of the transfer.
nly Andy Carroll, at £35m in January 2011, has cost more
than Firmino, the 23-year-old, who should have little trouble settling into the
Liverpool dressing room, given he will meet compatriots Lucas Leiva and
Philippe Coutinho.
It is also a statement of support from manager Brendan
Rodgers, who will start the season under scrutiny following the dismal end to
the last campaign.
Liverpool had sent a delegation to the Copa America and Ian
Ayre, the club’s chief executive, wrapped up the deal in Santiago – where
Brazil are based ahead of their quarter-final with Paraguay on Saturday –
during the early hours of Wenesday morning.
It has been a hectic start to the summer window for
Liverpool, who have set the pace in terms of signings.
They have completed three Bosman moves for James Milner,
Danny Ings and Adam Bogdan and also secured the £3.5million addition of
Charlton youngster Joe Gomez.
Nathaniel Clyne, the Southampton right back, is also on
course to move to Liverpool and a striker is a top priority, though they have
not made any progress in terms of moving for Christian Benteke, with the Aston
Villa striker having a £32.5million release clause.
LIVERPOOL’S RECORD SIGNINGS
1) Andy Carroll – £35m – January 2011
2) Roberto Firmino – £29m – June 2015
3) Adam Lallana – £25m – July 2014
4) Luis Suarez – £22.8m – January 2011
5) Fernando Torres – £20.2m – July 2007
