Roberto Firmino ‘ready to quit’ Saudi side after six months with Liverpool reunion a transfer option

Roberto Firmino left Liverpool during the summer transfer window

Roberto Firmino of Al Ahli celebrates victory

Roberto Firmino’s time in Saudi Arabia could be over after only six months, with the former Liverpool forward reportedly “ready to leave” Al-Ahli in January.

Firmino got off to the perfect start with his current employers, scoring a hat-trick on his debut, but failed to net in his subsequent nine league matches and has since been limited to six substitute appearances.

Given the 32-year-old had captained Al-Ahli in each of the first ten Saudi Pro League fixtures, it has certainly come as a shock to see Firmino now out of favour and forced to settle for cameo displays.

It is understood the 2019 Champions League winner is not content with his current situation and is seeking a resolution when the transfer window opens next week. Football365 have stated the Brazilian prefers a return to Europe or even the chance to play in his home country.

A report by the Daily Mirror suggested staying in Saudi could be on the cards should the Liverpool hero have a change of heart, with both Al-Fateh and Al-Ettifaq interested in a deal. The latter are of course managed by Steven Gerrard, who has already brought former Reds Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum to his club.

Commenting on the prospect of adding Firmino to his squad, Gerrard recently said: “I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I’ve been a massive fan. I’ve followed him for years. At the moment, he’s Al-Ahli’s player, so it’s very difficult for me to comment on that situation. But I’ve loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I’m a huge fan.”

Al-Ettifaq have endured a sluggish start to the Saudi Pro League season and are 26 points adrift of league leaders Al-Hilal after 18 matches played.

PAUL SCHOLES HAILS £41M LIVERPOOL STAR AS ‘THE ONE’ AFTER MOHAMED SALAH

Diogo Jota marked his return to Liverpool colours by scoring from the bench during his side’s 2-0 win over Burnley on Boxing Day.

In recent years, the 27-year-old has been hit with a spate of injuries that just haven’t allowed him to showcase his true worth to Liverpool fans.

But Paul Scholes thinks Diogo Jota is a ‘very important’ player for Jurgen Klopp and someone who can provide the goalscoring goods alongside, Mohamed Salah, as he told Premier League Productions (26/12/23 at 7:35 pm).

Whilst the Manchester United legend questions the goalscoring qualities of Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez.

Diogo Jota’s record in Liverpool colours is there for all to see, it’s just the treatment room that has stood in his way of really exploding.

Since moving to Anfield from Wolves in a £41 million deal in 2020, he has scored 50 goals in 131 games in all competitions.

That’s pretty good going for a player who hasn’t started regularly, as well as playing second fiddle to the likes of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

But Paul Scholes certainly appreciates the player and he spoke about him in glowing terms.

Diogo Jota’s importance to Liverpool

“He is (important),” said Scholes. “He chips in with a lot of goals and a lot of very important goals. It’s good coming on for the last 5-10 minutes for a cameo appearance.

“It’s a good goal (against Burnley). It’s not one he meant, but just hit it hard and low as you can, then hope it goes in.

“But he is a very important player for Liverpool. Not all of their front three chip in a lot. But he seems to be the one from Salah who does.”

Diogo Jota – the best after Mohamed Salah?

There is no doubt that Salah is Liverpool’s undisputed number one and that will remain the case until he leaves.

But you need that quality behind your main man, in case he is injured, needs a breather or in the upcoming case, is off to Africa Cup of Nations duty in January.

This is where Jota’s return from injury has come at the right time because whilst Salah is doing his stuff for Egypt.

You could argue that the Portuguese star will become Liverpool’s most reliable goalscorer.

LIVERPOOL MAKE FIRST MOVE TO SIGN ‘FAST’ PLAYER WHO EVERTON SOLD FOR JUST £2M

Liverpool are now interested in signing Fulham left back Antonee Robinson just over four years since Everton allowed him to walk away.

Liverpool are having real problems at left back.

The Reds saw Andrew Robertson go down with a shoulder injury in October and he hasn’t yet returned to action.

Kostas Tsimikas has been filling in but he has now picked up a collarbone injury and faces months on the sidelines.

Liverpool are down two left backs and now asking Joe Gomez to play in that role with youngster Luke Chambers next up in the pecking order.

Liverpool want Antonee Robinson

90min now report that Liverpool are looking towards the transfer market for a potential left back signing.

It’s stated that Liverpool have now made contact with Fulham as they chase a deal for Antonee Robinson.

Robinson is allegedly ‘open’ to joining Liverpool in January and the Reds are attempting to strike a deal with the Cottagers.

Robinson is under contract until 2028, so this won’t be a cheap deal for Liverpool to pull off, especially in the middle of the season.

The 26-year-old has started 18 Premier League games this season, registering three assists in an important role under Marco Silva.

Robinson’s greatest attribute is his pace and he has been praised for being ‘athletic’ and ‘fast’ by Wolves defender Matt Doherty.

That may appeal to Liverpool and a move to Anfield would see Robinson make a return to Merseyside…

Robinson to Liverpool would sting for Everton

USA international Robinson hails from Milton Keynes but started his career at Everton, joining their youth ranks at the age of just 11.

Robinson progressed through the ranks but was never given even a single first-team appearance.

The Toffees sold Robinson to Wigan Athletic for just £2million in 2019, allowing him to join the Latics permanently after a strong loan spell.

The 26-year-old stepped up to the Premier League with Fulham in 2020 and hasn’t looked back, making Everton look rather foolish.

Seeing him shine elsewhere will sting enough, but seeing Robinson join bitter rivals Liverpool would really rub salt into the wound for Everton, who may end up having to face Robinson in Merseyside derbies in the near future.

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Roberto Firmino ‘quits’ Saudi side after six months with Liverpool reunion set with jurgen klopp…