The Reds have been busy in this transfer window, with Klopp signing midfield duo Fabinho and Naby Keita. Liverpool were also expected to sign Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir, however, an old knee issue was discovered in his medical, forcing the Reds to pull the plug on the deal. However, Barnes insists Klopp needs to sign a striker this summer, claiming Roberto Firmino is better suited as an attacking midfielder behind an old-fashioned No 9.
When asked if Klopp needs to sign back-ups for Mohamed Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane, Barnes, speaking on behalf of Bonus Code Bets, exclusively told Express Sport: “I would think so. “I’m hoping but I’m not expecting Mo Salah to score 40 goals next season or as many as he did this year. We can’t think ‘He’ll definitely do that again next year’. “That’s where I’d like us to have a centre-forward. Firmino is a fantastic player and I’d have him in the team all day long but he’s not a No 9. I’d like a penalty box player because there are times when it’s not an open game and teams won’t attack us to leave space. “That’s a classic No 9 that he [Klopp] might be looking to get in.”
Firmino impressed under Klopp last season, with the Brazil international netting 26 goals and chipping in with 14 assists in all competitions, as Liverpool stormed to the Champions League final. However, Barnes reckons the 26-year-old is a No 10, claiming Klopp must focus his attention on signing a striker to play ahead of Firmino. When asked if Klopp needs a new No 10, Barnes added: “Not necessarily. [Philippe] Coutinho filled that role.