Roberto Firmino 'agrees transfer move' as Liverpool hero to switch clubs again

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Liverpool hero Roberto Firmino could be set to switch clubs again having spent two years with Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. Last season, he scored five goals in 17 appearances in the Middle East.

But things have not gone smoothly, despite Firmino arriving as captain and scoring a hat-trick on his debut. Even though he played a key role in their intercontinental success last season, the 33-year-old was left out of the Al Ahli squad for domestic league matches in the second half of this season.

The decision came after Al Ahli signed Galeno from Porto in January, pushing its foreign player count to 11, which is one over what the Saudi Pro League permits. It is no shock, then, that Firmino is now on the move.

According to Waleed Saeed, he has an agreement in place to join the Qatari side Al Sadd, with the deal entering the "final stages". Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez played for Al Sadd for four years after leaving the Camp Nou in 2015.

That was the same summer that Firmino arrived at Anfield under Brendan Rodgers. The Brazilian came in for a fee of around $39 million (£29 million) from the German side Hoffenheim.

"There’s no reference point when it comes to comparing Bobby. There’s never been anyone quite like him and I doubt there ever will be again," then club captain Jordan Henderson said in a tribute when Firmino left.

(Image: Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

"To be that talented, have that much skill and then to work as hard and smart as he does, is remarkable. Humility in professional football is just as important as humility in life. The way Bobby plays, the selflessness of it, is what makes him so, so special.

"To have that much magic and ability and still sacrifice yourself for your team... honestly, for any young player wanting to be a forward, he is the benchmark.

"He’s not afraid to express himself and do all the tricks but at the same time makes sure he earns that right by doing the non-spectacular things also. His status as an all-time Liverpool great is secured."

Henderson ended up following Firmino to the Saudi top flight later that summer, joining Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq. But he didn't last long there, moving to Ajax without being paid.

Now, he is set to join Brentford on a two-year contract despite interest from the likes of FC Porto. Henderson will effectively replace Christian Norgaard, the experienced midfielder who has signed for Arsenal.

"It will be difficult, particularly saying goodbye to people I live with every day," Firmino said when he left Liverpool.

"And the fans, I’ll always miss them dearly. They sang my name and got behind me during all these years together. I thank God for the affection they have for me, from the bottom of my heart."

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