Roberto Firmino’s Saudi adventure turns sour

Last week, Saudi Arabia was officially named the host country for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. It wasn’t much of a surprise since the Gulf state didn’t really have any competitors. In ten years, Saudi Arabia will therefore host the World Cup in ultra-modern stadiums, presumably in winter as was the case in 2022 in Qatar. To put all the chances on its side, the country has called on the superstars of the Saudi Pro League, like Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr and Karim Benzema. All of them were enthusiastic about the candidacy of Saudi Arabia, which opened its doors to them in 2023. Like them, Roberto Firmino (33 years old) was part of the wave of players who joined the Saudi league almost two years.

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At the end of his contract at Liverpool, the Brazilian, nicknamed “Bobby”, was spoiled for choice. But he said yes to Al-Ahly’s proposal. He thus signed a lease until June 30, 2026 with a nice salary of €20 million per year. Something to have fun with. Last year, Firmino, who plays in the same team as Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, Gabri Veiga and Franck Kessié, finished his first year with a record of 9 goals and 7 assists in 34 appearances in all competitions ( 2487 minutes played). But this was insufficient in the eyes of his club and the supporters, who expected better from him. It must be said that he experienced several periods of scarcity last year. In particular, he did not score during 10 matches in the league.

Al-Alhy pushes him towards the exit

Quickly, the possibility of a change of scenery was raised. A few doors had therefore opened for the native of Maceio during the 2024 winter transfer window. Al-Shabab, Al-Fateh and Al-Ettifaq, Sheffield United and Brazilian clubs had looked into his case. But he ultimately stayed. A year later, Roberto Firmino finds himself more or less in the same situation. Used 19 times in all competitions (1,206 minutes played), including 13 times as a starter, he scored 6 goals and provided 3 assists. Despite his decent statistics, his trainer, Matthias Jaissle no longer wants him. Indeed, Arriyadiyah reveals that he asked Al-Ahly for the departure of his player in January.

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The Saudi media adds that Jaissle wants to part with it in order to be able to attract a left winger and possibly a midfielder. A hard blow for Firmino, who still has a year and a half of contract. But he is in a position of strength since he can refuse to leave and enforce his contract. Despite everything, a few teams are starting to position themselves to try to welcome him this winter of 2025. In Türkiye, José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe is very interested. Galatasaray, which seeks to strengthen in attack, also checked its name. A return to Brazil cannot be ruled out either for the man who became an evangelical pastor a few months ago. Pushed out for the second time in Saudi Arabia, “Bobby” Firmino certainly expected something else when signing for the SPL.