Zimpapers Logo

Liverpool have signed forward Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim on a five-year deal.

Firmino has become the second most expensive signing in Liverpool’s history after a £29 million deal was completed overnight.

The Brazil international, 23, has agreed a five-year contract, worth more than a £100,000 per week.

The 23-year-old player requires a work permit and will complete the formalities of a medical at Anfield once the Copa America is over

Firmino, who has scored 47 goals in 151 games for Hoffenheim, becomes the Reds’ second most expensive player.

The Anfield club made Andy Carroll their record signing when he joined them for £35m from Newcastle in 2011.

They also paid Southampton £25m for Adam Lallana in 2014, and have already brought in Burnley striker Danny Ings, goalkeeper Adam Bogdan, defender Joe Gomez and midfielder James Milner this summer.

The Reds have so far resisted two offers from Manchester City for England forward Raheem Sterling.

Firmino, who has spent the last four-and-a-half seasons in the Bundesliga, was on target for Brazil in their 2-1 Copa America victory over Venezuela on Sunday.

In the absence of Neymar, who has been suspended for the rest of the tournament, Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, who is already a Liverpool player, are set to start again in Saturday’s quarter-final against Paraguay. —BBCSport