Roberto Firmino's post-Liverpool career could take another twist as the summer transfer window unfolds
Roberto Firmino of Al-Ahli Saudi acknowledges the fans
Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino, who could now leave latest club Al-Ahli
(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Roberto Firmino is reportedly in the final stages of completing a transfer to Qatar-based club Al-Sadd. In doing so the former Liverpool favourite would be bringing an end to two years with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli, where he has experienced a tumultuous time.
Summarising his eight years at Liverpool, Firmino was Jurgen Klopp's most-used player during a period the Premier League, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and both domestic cups were added to the club's trophy cabinet. The Brazilian bid a tearful farewell in front of The Kop in May 2023 as one of the defining heroes of the era.
But his career took a turn after that, when he completed a transfer to Al-Ahli, joining a wave of other stars headed for Saudi Arabia.
Firmino's first season in the Gulf state produced nine goals and six assists in 32 appearances - his form was generally mixed. This resulted in transfer rumours before the next summer window had even arrived.
But Firmino stayed in a growing squad as more players arrived from European giants. One of those was fellow Brazilian winger Galeno from FC Porto in the most recent January window, and to register him, the ex-Reds star was removed from Al-Ahli's domestic league squad.
Still, Firmino was kept in his team's AFC Champions League squad for 2024/25 - a competition that they went on to win in May with the 33-year-old also named player of the tournament. Across the entirety he managed 13 goal contributions.
Roberto Firmino of Al-Ahli Saudi lifts The AFC Champions League Elite trophy
Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino lifts the AFC Champions League Elite trophy with Al-Ahli
"There's no words to express what I feel inside of my heart. Both of my hearts," Firmino said after the final.
"They take me out of the league [squad] and, of course, leave me in the Champions League [squad]. I don't give up. I never give up.
"I know who bring (sic) me here and I want to give back all the glory to God. He knows what plans are ahead for us.
"The great team, it is a pleasure to be a part of this big club.
"My thoughts come in my head. The bad moments through these times, I keep out. I stay two months without playing but you have to believe, to fight."
Ahead of the next season it would appear Firmino is set to join his second club since leaving Liverpool. It is Waleed Saeed of Qatar's Alkass Sports Channel who reports the forward's impending move to the country to join Al-Sadd.
They are the reigning champions of Qatar having beaten Al-Duhail - Philippe Coutinho's former side - to the 2024/25 title by two points.