Roberto Firmino 'unhappy' at Saudi club and could reunite with Liverpool legend
Posted Saturday, December 30, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk
Roberto Firmino's time in Saudi Arabia could be coming to an untimely end amid reports that the Liverpool icon wants a return to Europe
Roberto Firmino has only been with Al-Ahli for six months (Image: Getty Images)
Roberto Firmino could be heading for a break-up with Al-Ahli after reports the ex-Liverpool star wants to leave the club.
The Brazilian only joined the Saudi Pro League side this summer after reaching end of his contract with the Premier League giants, having spent eight years in Merseyside.
Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Firmino was named captain of the team and begun his career in the Middle East on a spectacular note as he scored a hat-trick on his debut against Al-Hazem back in August.
Unfortunately for the 32-year-old, it only went downhill from there as he's yet to score since his first game for Al-Ahli and has lost his place in the starting line-up as a result of his nine-game goal drought. Despite Firmino's struggles, the team's form hasn't dipped as they sit third in the table and are currently on a seven-match unbeaten streak.
The Liverpool legend was one of the premier signings that the Saudi Pro League made this past summer but he now finds himself on the periphery of the starting line-up.
Firmino hasn't scored for Al-Ahli since netting a hat-trick on his debut in August (Image: Getty Images)
That's led to reports that Firmino is looking for a way out with a return to Europe or an opportunity to play in his native Brazil the best options, according to Football365. The 2020 Premier League winner played 12 years in Europe but one particular move could see him continue his stay in Saudi Arabia.
Al-Ettifaq - managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard - are reportedly interested in securing the Brazilian's services, according to the Daily Mirror. The England great, 43, has already brought former Reds Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum to the club.
Gerrard had only kind words to say about Firmino when asked on the chances of welcoming him to the club. "I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I've been a massive fan," the ex-Reds skipper said. "I've followed him for years. At the moment, he's Al-Ahli's player, so it's very difficult for me to comment on that situation.
"But I've loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I'm a huge fan." It's been an arduous first season in charge for Gerrard as Al-Ettifaq sit ninth in the table and are a whopping 26 points adrift of league leaders Al-Hilal.
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