Al-Ahli close in on Firmino coup

As reported by numerous sources, Al-Ahli are close to completing the signing of Roberto Firmino on a free transfer from Liverpool.

Having joined the Merseysiders from Hoffenheim, the Brazilian spent eight memorable years at Anfield. He arrived as an attacking midfielder and played a couple of games on the wings under Brendan Rodgers, but Jurgen Klopp completely rediscovered his talent and vast football intelligence by deploying him in a “false nine” role, sometimes referred to as “the Firmino role”. His selflessness there enabled the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to thrive in Klopp’s system, and Liverpool’s attacking trio was among the most potent ones in the world for a few years.

In all competitions, Firmino scored 111 goals and produced 79 assists in 362 appearances for Liverpool, helping the Reds win the 2019 Champions League, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, the 2019/20 Premier League, and a cup double in 2021/22.

The 31-year-old attacker is expected to sign a three-year deal with the Saudi club.

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.

Saudi dealmakers compiled an original pre-window list of 20 names and… https://t.co/8q25BiIlpR

— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) June 26, 2023