Roberto Firmino is not having the season everyone was expecting. The former Liverpool forward had finally left European soccer last season, following an emotional farewell at Anfield. After spending a long time between 2015 and 2023 in the Merseyside club, he became one of the best-ever legends for them and a Premier League legend as well.
He had joined the growing Saudi Pro League this summer and had initially proved to be a good signing for Al Ahli. But now the tables have turned, and the club is already considering parting ways with him.
Firmino’s struggles at Saudi Pro League
After his departure from Liverpool, he left European soccer altogether, deciding to sign for Saudi club Al Ahli for a huge three-year deal. It was a massive financial deal worth €20 million in wages every season. It was thought he, along with the arrival of other stars like Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maxim, Franck Kessie and others, would herald a new era of change at the largely unknown club.
He even impressed largely during his start there, even scoring a brilliant hat trick in the debut match against Al Hazem. He was even made captain due to his huge European pedigree and reputation. But since then, he has fallen short of his usual standard by a lot. Because after his first match, he has not managed to score even a single goal in the next two games.
In fact, he has played in 18 games since his debut but has failed to find the back of the net even a single time. He only has three goals from his first match and three assists to show for it as well. His poor performances can be seen in his game time so far, as he has only played 58% of all games and was in the starting eleven in 53% of the games.
It is a great disappointment for the fans of the club, who had put so much trust in Firmino, but so far he has not been able to satisfy their desires.
Roberto Firmino reportedly linked with PL return
With so much outrage from fans and Roberto Firmino himself being unsatisfied with the team’s way of playing, he is now seriously considering leaving. Many news outlets are reporting that the Brazilian is ready to leave in the January transfer window itself. He prefers to either return to European soccer or go back to his roots in Brazil.
Al Ahli themselves are ready to let the Brazilian forward possibly leave for a loan deal in January, though they prefer to keep him. Many teams from England and Turkey, are ready to bring in the player, with Sheffield United a strong contender, though their new manager may not agree. Other Saudi clubs are also interested in signing the player, with Al Ettifaq managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, heavily interested.
Whether he will leave or not, Roberto Firmino is expected to next play against Al Akhdoud in February 15, following a long break in January.
