Roberto Firmino won pretty much every trophy going at Liverpool, but the Brazilian's move to Al-Ahli hasn't gone to plan. Firmino moved to the Saudi club in the summer of 2023 and scored a hat-trick against Al-Hazem on his debut. Since then, though, things have been less enjoyable - culminating in his absence from Al-Ahili's squad for the remainder of the current league season. The 33-year-old ended with nine league goals in his first season with the club, and has five in 17 outings this term. Matthias Jaissle's side invested further in January, though, and Firmino is the man to suffer.
Another Brazilian, Galeno, joined from Porto on deadline day for £42m. The winger has gone straight into Jaissle's squad, and - with Saudi Pro League clubs only able to include a limited number of foreign players - Firmino drops out. "It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules," manager Jaissle said. "We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He's still one of our leaders.".
Saudi Pro League clubs are permitted 10 foreign players, two of whom must be aged 21 or younger. Galeno joins former Premier League stars including Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney in the main squad, with Firmino and Gjanni Alioski under contract but left out. Despite being ineligible for league action, Firmino and Alioski are permitted to play in the AFC Champions League elite. Firmino scored in the recent victory over Al-Sadd in the competition, while former Leeds man Alioski was an unused substitute.
Will Roberto Firmino return to Europe in the summer? Have your say in the comments section. Firmino is under contract with Al-Ahli until the summer of 2026, but it remains to be seen whether he will remain at the club beyond the end of this season. Neymar was another player to miss out on a place in his team's squad for the second half of the season, and ultimately left Al-Hilal permanently to rejoin Santos.
"I love Santos." the former Paris Saint-Germain star said after making his second debut for the club against Botafogo. "I have no words to describe what I felt tonight when I stepped again on this pitch. I need minutes, games. I'm not at 100%. I didn't expect to run and dribble so much tonight. I think I'll feel better in four or five games.". After his unveiling, he insisted: "I came to find my happiness, which is playing football. That's why I came to help.
"The coach decides. Wherever he needs me, I am available, whether as a winger, striker, central defender, or midfielder... I'm here to help. I came to bring something extra to the team. I know who I am and what my potential is, but I want to help in any role. I have a thirst for victory.". Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
