Former Brazilian international Roberto Firmino moved from England to Saudi Arabia last summer after his contract with Liverpool expired. He was expected to form a strong attacking lineup with Riyad Mahrez and Alain Saint-Maximin to score a number of goals.
It was only in the opening game of the Saudi Professional League that he scored a hat trick, but since then his numbers have not followed and he has lost his regular place in recent games.
The former Liverpool forward, who would like to play every weekend, is eyeing a move away and has been linked with a return to the Premier League.
Ben Jacobs, an expert on the transfer market, updated the former Brazilian forward on his progress and said that a loan move to the Premier League is becoming more likely, and opined that a move within Saudi Arabia would be financially difficult.
“My understanding on Bobby Firmino is that Al-Ahli haven’t yet received any formal offers, but a loan to a Premier League club is now possible.”
“Some informal approaches have been made from intermediaries. Al-Ahli open to a loan, but do still view Firmino as part of their longer-term plans.”
“Firmino is exploring options to get more game time. But it is now unlikely he’ll be loaned within Saudi Arabia despite the option being explored to keep him within the Saudi Pro League.”
“Al-Ettifaq are amongst three Saudi clubs who have expressed at least a superficial interest, with Steven Gerrard telling me in December he “loves” Firmino. But any local move would require Al-Ahli to pay the majority of his wages and this is not an option. Many Saudi clubs have spent their seasonal budget making this type of transfer tough to fund.”
My understanding on Bobby Firmino is that Al-Ahli haven't yet received any formal offers, but a loan to a Premier League club is now possible.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 5, 2024
Some informal approaches have been made from intermediaries. Al-Ahli open to a loan, but do still view Firmino as part of their… pic.twitter.com/r6M8i9h69d