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Roberto Firmino is on the move again, with the Liverpool hero’s departure from Saudi Arabia having now been confirmed.
The Brazilian left the Reds back in 2023 at the end of his contract at Anfield, bringing the curtain down on eight years with the club, during which time he formed an incredible attacking trio alongside Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
He made the move to Al-Ahli, where he helped the Saudi side to a first-ever AFC Champions League Elite title last season. Firmino provided assists for both of his club’s goals in the win over Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale in the final in May, and became the first player alongside teammates Riyad Mahrez and Edouard Mendy to win continental titles in Asia and Europe.
His time in the Pro League though has come to an end, with his departure from Al-Ahli confirmed on Wednesday.
Firmino has now made the move to Qatar, joining Al Sadd on a two-year deal. His new club is the reigning Qatar Stars League champion, with Firmino set to go for the Champions League Elite again next season.
Al Sadd is Qatar’s most successful club, having claimed 18 league titles, as well as winning the Champions League Elite twice, most recently in 2011.
Firmino makes the move after scoring 21 goals and adding 17 assists in 65 appearances during his time with Al-Ahli, having signed a three-year deal with the club after joining from Liverpool.
"I'm happy because we made history at the club during these two years together," the 33-year-old said in a farewell video released by the Saudi club.
"The best moment was to become the champions of Asia. I'm very grateful for this."
Firmino remains a hugely popular figure at Liverpool, having been part of the side that won the Champions League and Premier League in successive years under Jurgen Klopp in 2019 and 2020.
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Explaining why he left the club in 2023, the Brazilian wrote in his book ‘Si Senor: My Liverpool Years’: "It wasn’t a war. It was just a difference in understanding about what I could offer to Liverpool.
"I reflected a lot and realized that God’s plan was to take me somewhere else. The signs were all there since that conversation with Pastor Daniel in Maceio. I had been stubborn.
"God didn’t want me to stay in Liverpool, but I was insisting. I didn’t listen. But I couldn’t avoid it anymore. It was time to accept. I decided it was time to seek another challenge for myself, another purpose. My time at Liverpool had come to an end."
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