Liverpool fan favorite Roberto Firmino nears a new chapter of his footballing journey after the Brazilian international is reportedly edging closer to completing a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli as part of the Gulf kingdom’s market aggression across the summer transfer window.
Football insider Fabrizio Romano gave a recent update surrounding the future of the 31-year-old Liverpool cult hero, with the Brazilian’s representatives in advancing discussions over a move to the Roshn Saudi League that would see him follow former Chelsea keeper Édouard Mendy to King Abdullah Sports City.
Negotiations between Al Ahli and the representatives of Roberto Firmino are advancing. Talks underway. 🚨🟢🇸🇦
He’d join Édou Mendy who has already completed medical tests and signed 3 year contract as new Al Ahly player. pic.twitter.com/p7giu8KI6J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2023
Firmino would become the latest in a string of established stars from the European game to move outside of UEFA during a summer that has seen the nation’s Public Investment Fund drive the transfer business conducted by big four domestic clubs, which so far has included moves for Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Rúben Neves, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Talks continue surrounding further possible moves for Neymar, Hakim Ziyech, Bernardo Silva, Saúl Ñíguez, Marcelo Brozović, and Wilfried Zaha. Other moves that did not pan out included plays for Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Romelu Lukaku, Son Heung-min, Luka Modrić, and managerial offers for both Steven Gerrard and José Mourinho.
With the goal of bringing Saudi Arabian football to the forefront of not just Asia but across the globe as a true competitor for top talent in the run-up to the nation’s bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Firmino could be in line to play a part in football’s ever-growing influence across the globe from a professional perspective on the pitch.
