Former Liverpool favourite Roberto Firmino could be set to leave the Saudi Pro League this summer, with the Al-Ahli forward potentially in line to join up with one of his old teammates
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - OCTOBER 31: Roberto Firmino of Al-Ahli Saudi arrives at the stadium prior to the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Ittihad v Al-Ahli Saudi at King Abdullah Sports City on October 31, 2024 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Roberto Firmino could be set to leave Al-Ahli this summer(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino could be offered a chance to leave the Saudi Pro League behind this summer, it has been reported. Despite initial difficulties adjusting to life in Saudi, Firmino has scored 21 goals in 65 appearances, and led Al-Ahli to the AFC Champions League Elite title this season.
Things were rather different for Firmino in the league, however, with Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle opting to omit the forward from his Saudi Pro League squad for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign in February, so that he could include £41.6m January transfer window signing Galeno as part of his 10 foreign player allowance.
"It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules. We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He’s still one of our leaders," Jaissle commented at the time. However, the decision has understandably led to speculation over the Brazilian's future.
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And now, the Liverpool legend is rumoured to be considering a surprise move to Spanish giants Real Madrid, according to Spanish publication AS. The Brazilian, 33, has just completed his second season in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ahli, reports the Mirror.
According to the AS report, Real are on the hunt for a 'pure, old school' No. 9. While Firmino's time at Liverpool doesn't exactly fit this description, it is claimed he could effectively support Kylian Mbappe in attack for a season.
Firmino is also viewed as a potential key substitute, allowing the club's young forwards to mature for another year. Gonzalo Garcia, 21, has particularly impressed, netting 25 goals for the B team this season.
If Firmino makes the move to the Bernabeu, he would be reuniting with former Liverpool teammate and Real Madrid's latest signing, Trent Alexander-Arnold. The pair enjoyed considerable success during Jurgen Klopp's golden era at Anfield.
He would also join fellow Brazilians Eder Militao and Vinicius Jr in the squad, although it remains uncertain whether new Real boss Xabi Alonso will be open to the transfer.