Former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has been left out of Al-Ahli’s squad for the remainder of the Saudi Pro League season despite his impressive performances for the club. The Brazilian forward, who joined Al-Ahli in 2023, has been a consistent scorer, but has fallen victim to the league’s restrictions on foreign players.
Al-Ahli’s recent signing of Galeno from Porto for £42 million has forced them to make a difficult decision. With Saudi Pro League clubs limited to a maximum of eight foreign players in their squads, Firmino has been sacrificed to make way for the new arrival.
Manager Matthias Jaissle acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision, stating, “It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules. We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He’s still one of our leaders.”
Firmino’s Future Uncertain
Firmino’s future at Al-Ahli is now uncertain. Despite being under contract until 2026, he may seek a move away from the club in search of regular playing time. This situation mirrors that of Neymar, who recently left Al-Hilal to rejoin Santos after being excluded from their squad.
Firmino, who has also been linked with a return to Brazil, will be weighing up his options in the coming weeks. He could seek a move to another league where he can play regularly, or he may opt to stay at Al-Ahli and focus on the AFC Champions League, where he is still eligible to play.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by foreign players in the Saudi Pro League, where restrictions on squad sizes can lead to even high-profile players being left out.
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