In the summer of 2023, former Brazilian international Roberto Firmino ended his eight years at Anfield. Amidst interest from various clubs, he decided to go to Saudi Arabia, where one major reinforcement after another had been concluded, and joined Al Ahli.
In his new club, he was named captain and got off to a good start, scoring a hat trick in the opening game of the Saudi Professional League. Although he has been a member of the starting lineup since then, he has not been able to show clear-cut numbers and has spent more and more time on the bench in recent games.
According to Football365, the former Liverpool forward will leave Saudi Arabia in about six months and hopes to return to Europe or play in his home country of Brazil.
At 32 years of age, he is not old yet, and if he can regain his condition, he is good enough to be given a starting role in one of Europe’s top leagues. He is not yet old enough to play in the top flight, but if he can regain his condition, he is good enough to be a starter in the top flight in Europe.
On the other hand, the Daily Mirror tells another story. It seems right that leaving is a priority, but domestic clubs in Saudi Arabia, including Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fateh, have also shown interest, and he may stay in the Middle East.
Al Ittefaq, led by Steven Gerrard, has been linked to Liverpool in more ways than one. In addition to Jordan Henderson, who captained Anfield until last season, the club also has former Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum, who also played in midfield.
Based on relationship value alone, the club would seem to have the advantage… Will Firmino leave his current team to play for another club?