Last summer, Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior reportedly urged his club to sign Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino, who was available on a free transfer. Despite the Brazilian’s plea, Real Madrid’s chiefs decided against the move, and Firmino eventually joined the Saudi Pro League.
Brazilian reporter Julio Gomes Filho from UOL Esporte revealed on ‘ The Transfers Podcast ‘ that Vinícius requested Real Madrid to consider signing Firmino, who was departing Liverpool after a successful tenure. While the Spanish giants briefly considered the idea, they ultimately opted against it and signed another forward instead.
“Last year, in the summer, Vinícius wanted his team to get Bobby Firmino from Liverpool for free,” Filho said. “The team thought it was a smart idea, but they didn’t pick him. They chose Joselu instead because they had too many Brazilians. You can have three or four, but not five or six; that’s what someone from Real Madrid told me.”
After leaving Liverpool, Roberto Firmino went to play in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ahli. In his first year, he played in 32 games, scored nine times, and helped with six more goals. Firmino also became a leader, often wearing the captain’s band. His impact was evident in a recent match where he scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Al Fayha.
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Al-Ahli finished third in the Saudi top flight, well behind champions Al Hilal, Neymar’s current team, but ahead of Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq, where former Liverpool teammate Gini Wijnaldum plays.
Firmino’s potential move to Real Madrid would have been surprising, considering his injury issues during his last years at Liverpool and the significant wages he would command. His decision to join the Saudi Pro League was also unexpected, given that he likely had offers from more competitive leagues. However, the financial allure of Saudi Arabia proved too tempting, not just for Firmino but for several other top players.
The Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment strategy has drawn attention, though its overall appeal and intensity remain subjects of debate. As the league continues to invest heavily in attracting top talent, the upcoming transfer window will be crucial in determining whether it can maintain its momentum and further elevate its status in the football world.
In summary, despite Vinícius Júnior’s request for Real Madrid to sign Roberto Firmino, the club chose a different path, leading Firmino to a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League. This decision highlights the complex considerations behind transfer decisions and the shifting dynamics in global football markets.
