Liverpool will have done their "best business in a long time" if they sell Raheem Sterling for £50million, according to Dietmar Hamann.
Liverpool on Wednesday confirmed the signing of Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim for an initial £21million deal which could eventually be worth £29million.
The Brazilian's arrival could pave the way for Raheem Sterling to leave Anfield, with Manchester City continuing their pursuit of the England winger, and Hamann believes Liverpool will have come out on top if they get the £50million asking price.
"I've not got a problem with the money Liverpool have paid for Firmino," Hamann told the Liverpool Echo.
"This is a Brazilian international whose best years are well ahead of him, not behind him. He's one of the up and coming stars in Brazil and I think he's worth it.
"Coming to Anfield will be a step up for him but I think he's ready for it.
"Look at what other clubs are spending. To attract the best you have to pay big money.
"If Liverpool get £50million for Sterling and invest half that money in Firmino the club will have made their best business in a long time - probably the best bit of business since Liverpool managed to sell Jason McAteer to Blackburn for £4million!"
Hamann, meanwhile, has no concerns that Firmino could struggle with the physicality of the Premier League and believes his capture represents a coup for a club not in the Champions League this coming season.
"I've seen a lot of Firmino and he's a player I like a lot," Hamann said.
"He's Brazilian but he has played in Germany for a number of years and I've been impressed by how he has developed.
"I've spoken to people who have worked with him and they say he won't be bullied. He has got more of a European than a Brazilian mentality.
"He is very skilful but he also has the strength and the mentality to survive in the Premier League.
"I watched him a number of times for Hoffenheim last season and I'm sure he will be able to handle playing in England. The Bundesliga is not a league where they don't tackle, the games are physical.
"To be honest, he's the type of player I thought Liverpool wouldn't be able to get without Champions League football.
"To get him is a real statement of intent and hopefully there will be two or three more big signings to come.
"When I heard that Liverpool had got the deal over the line it certainly put a smile on my face."
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