Al-Ahli star Roberto Firmino is linked with a shock return to the Premier League in January, with Sheffield United interested in his services.
Roberto Firmino, 32, plied his trade for Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, scoring 111 goals and supplying 79 assists in 362 appearances across all competitions. The Brazilian forward helped Jurgen Klopp’s side win seven trophies during his eight-year stay at Anfield, including the Champions League and the Premier League. He departed the Reds on a free transfer after being released at the end of the 2022/23 season.
Firmino joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli on a three-year deal in the summer and enjoyed a sensational start to his career in the Middle East, scoring a hat-trick on his debut. However, the forward has failed to score a single goal since his debut hat-trick and has fallen out of favour under manager Matthias Jaissle in recent weeks. As a result, he is ready to quit the Saudi club in January.
Sheffield United were reportedly monitoring Firmino’s situation ahead of a possible move for the player under previous boss Paul Heckingbottom, and they could reignite their interest with the winter transfer window fast approaching.
Is Roberto Firmino set for Premier League return?
Boasting just nine points from 19 games, Sheffield United remain at the basement of the Premier League table and now sit seven points adrift of safety at the halfway stage. Just two wins in 19 leaves the Blades in a dangerous position, and having scored the least and by far conceded the most goals this term, Chris Wilder is desperate for reinforcements.
A striker is an absolute need for Chris Wilder and Sheffield United, and a player of Roberto Firmino’s quality would be immense. It is difficult to imagine the Blades would turn down a move for Firmino if he is made available for transfer by Al-Ahli. The Brazilian forward was great for a struggling Liverpool side last season that missed out on Champions League qualification and is certainly good enough to make a huge difference for a relegation-battling side.
Strikers come at a premium in January, so unless Sheffield United spend vast amounts on a top goalscorer, they must look to settle down on Firmino for a straight loan deal. A six-month loan deal could be beneficial for all parties involved.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
