Liverpool hero Roberto Firmino has finalised his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
The 2023 summer transfer window is a story of the Saudis trying to capture Europe’s best and brightest as they seek to bring legitimacy to their league. These moves are aimed at improving their chances of a successful bid for the hosting rights of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
2018/19 UEFA Champions League winner with Liverpool, Bobby Firmino, becomes the latest big name to move to Saudi Arabia to compete in the Saudi Pro League with other superstars. The Brazilian put pen to paper on a three-year contract to play for Jeddah-based Al-Ahli with a big increase in his weekly paycheck. He will line up next to former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who signed for the club last month.
Firmino started his career at CRB in Brazil as a youth before moving on to Figueirense to complete his development and gain first-team football experience. In 2011, he captured the attention of a number of European clubs but chose to go to Germany with TSG Hoffenheim, where he quickly became one of the best young strikers in the German Bundesliga. That captured the attention of more European clubs, including the bigger ones and in 2015, he joined Liverpool.
He quickly became a favourite of Jürgen Klopp’s at Anfield and soon, the German had him playing alongside Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in what would become one of the Premier League’s deadliest trios in history.
At the end of eight years with the Reds, Firmino made 362 appearances and scored 111 goals, which helped the club win a number of domestic titles including Liverpool’s first-ever Premier League and first top-flight title since 1990; a Champions League title and a number of runners-up medals.
Firmino has been officially announced by Al-Ahli and is ready to hit the ground running at his new club.
A few weeks back when it was confirmed that he would be leaving Liverpool, the Brazil forward posted this farewell message on his Instagram, “My last match in Anfield was incredible! And my whole time in Liverpool has been nothing but wonderful. I will never forget the roar of the Kop and the passion from all of you. The family and myself will forever carry this great club in our hearts.
“We are so grateful for everything we were allowed to experience with you in these 8 years – the wins, the losses, the titles, the heartbreaks – this all helped me to become the man I am today. I can truly say that Liverpool has become a part of my family. Thank you all! #YNWA
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. (Psalms 23:6).”
