In an intriguing chapter of Liverpool’s transfer history, the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), once inserted a peculiar clause into the contract of one of their key players, Roberto Firmino, with a specific focus on preventing Arsenal from signing him.
This came as a direct response to Arsenal’s controversial 2013 attempt to sign Liverpool’s star striker, Luis Suarez.
The incident that sparked the anti-Arsenal clause occurred when Arsenal submitted a bid of £40 million plus £1 for Suarez, intentionally making the offer £1 above the £40 million release clause in his contract.
According to the terms of the deal, Liverpool was obliged to inform Suarez of any bid above that amount. This maneuver angered Liverpool’s ownership, with John W. Henry, the club’s principal owner, famously mocking Arsenal’s offer on social media, saying: “What do you think they’re smoking over there at the Emirates?”
In the aftermath of this incident, Liverpool made sure they wouldn’t fall victim to a similar situation again. When they signed Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim in 2015 for £21.3 million, they included a unique “anti-Arsenal” clause in his contract.
This clause stipulated that if any club activated Firmino’s £83 million release clause, Arsenal would be excluded. Instead, if Arsenal wanted to sign Firmino, they would have to negotiate a transfer fee directly with Liverpool, likely at a significantly higher price than the £83 million release clause.
Firmino went on to become a Liverpool legend, scoring 111 goals and providing 75 assists in 362 appearances. His contributions helped Liverpool win seven major trophies, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
This clause highlights the sometimes personal nature of football transfers, where past encounters and rivalries can influence future business decisions.
While it might seem unusual, it’s a testament to how fiercely Liverpool sought to avoid any further complications with Arsenal after the Suarez saga.