Liverpool hero in ‘full agreement’ to join shock new club and link up with former Chelsea star
Former Liverpool players Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane
Liverpool icon Roberto Firmino has caused a shock by reaching a ‘full verbal agreement’ to join Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, rather than remaining in Europe.
In early March it emerged that Firmino would not be accepting the two-year contract extension offered by Liverpool. He had decided to leave Anfield on a free transfer so he could play more regularly elsewhere.
In April, the forward addressed the situation by admitting he’ll ‘get emotional’ when leaving. He added that it’s ‘a beautiful legacy’ all of the players have built under Jurgen Klopp, given the massive trophies they have won.
Firmino has since been linked with a plethora of potential moves. Indeed, reports have suggested he may end up at European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus or Inter.
However, Firmino could instead see out the remainder of his career in the Middle East. Writing on Twitter, Fabrizio Romano has revealed there is a ‘full verbal agreement’ in place between the 31-year-old and Al Ahli, who gained promotion to the Saudi top flight last season.
Romano gave the move his signature ‘here we go’ confirmation, with Firmino set to agree a three-year deal at his new club.
The player, who scored 111 goals for Liverpool and became a fan-favourite there, just needs to complete a medical before the switch can go ahead.
If Firmino passes that medical, as expected, and completes the move, then he will become a team-mate of former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Roberto Firmino follows Blues player to Saudi Arabia
The shot-stopper joined Al Ahli on Wednesday by penning a three-year deal. As per Romano, his transfer was worth £16-17million.
Firmino could also become a team-mate of former Leeds United ace Ezgjan Alioski, who signed for Al Ahli in July 2021 but spent last season on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahce.
Firmino will soon be the latest big-name star to head to Saudi Arabia as the country attempts to overhaul its top division. Cristiano Ronaldo began the trend and has since been followed there by Karim Benzema, Kalidou Koulibaly, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves. Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech has also agreed to sign for Al Nassr, in a move which will see him play alongside Ronaldo.
The Saudis have attempted to sign Argentine legend Lionel Messi and Tottenham forward Son Heung-min, too. However, Messi opted to join Inter Miami in MLS instead, while Son has publicly shut down claims he could leave Spurs this summer.
Meanwhile, a Liverpool player has passed a medical ahead of a transfer out of Merseyside, according to a trusted source.
