23 December 2023 , 20:30
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Roberto Firmino's future at Al-Ahli is up in the air just six months after he joined the Saudi Arabian club on a free transfer from Liverpool.
The 32-year-old has mustered just three goals in 17 appearances in Jeddah - all of which came on his debut in a 3-1 win over Al-Hazem back in August. Having previously worn the captain's armband, the Anfield icon has now lost his place in Matthias Jaissle's star-studded side and has not started a match since late October.
Mirror Football understands Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Fateh are now showing interest in a loan deal while Steven Gerrard is also understood to be keen on reuniting Firmino with his former Liverpool team-mates Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum at Al-Ettifaq - should the Brazil international become available.
Gerrard recently said of potential interest in Firmino: "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."
Saudi clubs are only permitted to register eight foreign players in their official squads and offloading Firmino next month would present Al-Ahli with a chance to bring in another high-profile recruit from overseas, should they wish.
The skillful Brazilian has had a tough time since making the lucrative switch to the Middle East at the end of last season having tragically lost his father Jose Roberto Cordeiro in November following a heart attack in Dubai.
Al-Ahli boast a number of marquee players within their ranks including former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Gabri Veiga, Merih Demiral and Roger Ibanez.
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Roberto Firmino has struggled to shine in Saudi Arabia (Getty Images)Yet despite their quality, they're yet to fulfil their potential as a team and have been blown away by unbeaten league leaders Al-Hilal at the top of the table.
Meanwhile, Saudi Pro League director of football Michael Emenalo has refused to rule out further big-money signings this winter ahead of the opening of the transfer window.
He told Sky Sports: "We are not shying away but we are always ready to make signings and we have the capability to go in and compete [in the January market].
"Acquisitions of foreign players is a big part of what we want to do, but it's not the aspect we're focused on. What we do in this coming window could also depend on manoeuvres in terms of players moving out to be able to bring players in."