Roberto Firmino ‘offered shock Premier League return’ with the Liverpool legend looking to leave Al-Ahli after just six months at the Saudi Pro League side
- Roberto Firmino joined Al-Ahli at the end of his Liverpool contract last year
- The Brazilian though has struggled for form at the Saudi Pro League side
- Both Arsenal and Liverpool can’t afford an FA Cup replay. They must go all out for victory – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off
A number of Premier League sides have reportedly been offered the opportunity to sign Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli last summer following the end of his eight-year stint at Anfield.
Firmino got off to the perfect start by scoring a hat-trick in his first match for the club, but he has failed to score in his following 18 appearances for the club.
He also suffered the lost off his father who died tragically died from a heart attack during a family holiday in November.
With the 32-year-old seemingly wanting a way out of Al-Ahli, talkSPORT have reported that Fulham are among the Premier League sides who have been offered Firmino.
Roberto Firmino has been offered to a number of clubs as he looks to leave Al-Ahli
Fulham are among the Premier League clubs that have been offered the Brazilian forward
Sheffield United had also reportedly shown an interest in Firmino before Paul Heckingbottom was fired as manager.
Fulham though have been looking for an experienced striker since Aleksandar Mitrovic also move to Saudi Arabia at Al-Hilal.
Firmino won all there is to win during his time at Liverpool, and helped form one of the most prolific front threes of the Premier League era alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
He made 362 appearances for the Reds from 2015 until last year, scoring 111 goals.
Firmino and Brazilian countryman Fabinho sent Liverpool fans wild after they returned to Anfield on New Year’s Day to watch the Reds go three points clear at the top of the Premier League in a 4-2 win over Newcastle.
Firmino left Liverpool last season after a legendary eight-year stint at Anfield
Firmino and Fabinho returned to watch Liverpool beat Newcastle on New Year’s Day
The duo were among of the raft of stars that departed the club last summer for the riches of the Saudi Pro League as the Reds set about rebuilding their ageing squad.
Both Firmino and Fabinho had been integral to Jurgen Klopp‘s first successful side that went on to win the Premier League and Champions League – among other major honours.
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Why Liverpool have placed their faith in ‘Andy Robertson 2.0’ to fix injury crisis
The Liverpool youngster has been recalled and will be cover at left-back, but is he any good?
Liverpool have lost both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas to injuries this season which left them with an issue at left-back.
Tsimikas’ broken collarbone is likely to see him miss the next few months and Robertson’s dislocated shoulder should see him return at the end of January or early-February. As a result, there were two options. Sign a new left-back or promote a youngster from the academy to help fill in while both defende
Despite links to Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, who has developed into an all-action left-back across the past 12 months, the club have decided to recall Owen Beck from his loan spell at Dundee United in the hope the 21-year-old can step up and help cover alongside Joe Gomez, who has filled in brilliantly out of position in recent weeks. So, who is Beck? And can he step up?
Beck has been at Liverpool since the age of 13 and he signed his first professional contract with Liverpool in June 2020 and negotiated fresh terms in July 2021 while away with the seniors for pre-season, having enjoyed a successful campaign with the U23s in 2020-21. His professional debut came in the 2021/22 season when he came off the bench during the Carabao Cup tie at Preston North End.
This season saw him join the Scottish Premiership on loan with Dundee United where he’s made 20 starts across the league and cup, netting twice and registering two assists, as well as seven key passes leading to an assist in what was a solid campaign. It’s no secret that he is following in the footsteps of Robertson, who also came through at the same club, and he has displayed a similar style of play in what has been the most senior football he has been exposed to in his career to date, despite making nine appearances for Bolton during his short-term loan last season.
In terms of his attributes, he’s an energetic defender who has an eye for getting forward and joining attacks. This is represented by his average of two key passes per game which is impressive in the Scottish Premiership – he’s also created three big chances. His defending is also commendable as he has averaged 2.9 tackles per game, 2.5 clearances, 4.9 ball recoveries, as well as winning 57% of his ground duels. 15 of those tackles came in three games against Celtic and Rangers, the best two sides in the division.
His manager Tony Docherty spoke glowingly of him earlier in the season, praising his consistency and impact on the team: “Owen is doing exceptionally well and with international recognition as well, it wouldn’t be a surprise if people are talking about him. But he’s such a grounded boy and is very popular here. I think he enjoys playing here – the football side of it and the camaraderie in the dressing-room as well. That level of consistency will attract attention.”
Robertson also developed at the same club as a 19-year-old which is where he first caught the eye before Hull made their move. His £7m move stands as one of the best bargains in Premier League history and Beck is hoping to follow in his footsteps. One thing is for sure, if Beck has been recalled then Klopp must trust him and rate him very highly; he has often given young players opportunities and lived by the mantra ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough‘ and we will soon find out how he copes with the step up in level after an impressive half season in Scotland.
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