‘Brutal’ transfer fee puts heat on Firmino

Former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel believes a “brutal” £29 million transfer fee puts new signing Roberto Firmino under immediate pressure.

On Wednesday the Reds confirmed the arrival of the 23-year-old Hoffenheim forward in a deal which will see them pay £22m up front with the rest due in add-ons.

It makes the Brazil international the club’s second most expensive signing after £35m Andy Carroll and Babbel believes that brings a certain degree of expectation.