Former Brazilian international Roberto Firmino has ended his eight years at Liverpool, despite being sorely missed. Out of respect for the club, he did not negotiate a transfer during the season, but started negotiations with other clubs after the season was over.
The battle for the 31-year-old forward heated up, with Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid among the names mentioned, while Major League Soccer’s (MLS) St. Louis City also expressed interest. However, Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli is close to acquiring him.
According to Ben Jacobs reveals they have made good progress in the past 48 hours, and it appears that they will agree to a three-year contract and play in the same league as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, and other players who have made their era in European soccer.
Al-Ahli sources are convinced Firmino will sign a three-year contract and have everything ready to finalise the deal this week. Sources describe talks as positive and very advanced over the past 48 hours.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 26, 2023
Saudi dealmakers compiled an original pre-window list of 20 names and… https://t.co/8q25BiIlpR
Saudi Arabia has invested aggressively this summer to acquire name value players; 26-year-old Ruben Neves has also decided to go to the Middle East, and if other players in their 20s decide to move on, the Saudi Professional League could become a top league on par with Europe.
The Saudi players are still good enough to play in the Champions League, and it would be a shame for him to leave Europe. Still, it is not hard to understand why Firmino would want to be part of a project in Saudi Arabia, a country that is investing heavily in the country.
Will Firmino decide to go to Saudi Arabia?