Brazilian star Roberto Firmino, the striker for Al-Ahli Saudi FC, revealed exciting details about the 2023 summer transfer window, confirming that there were negotiations by European giant Real Madrid to sign him before he made his decision to move to the Saudi Professional League.
In an interview with Brazilian network TNT Sports, Firmino explained: “I received offers from European clubs, including Real Madrid. But I wasn’t their first choice at the time. After considering all the available options, I decided to join Al Ahli, and I’m very happy with that decision .” He added: “My decision was absolutely the right one. Al Ahli has an ambitious project and top-level players in every position, and I’m happy with my time with the team so far.”
Background to the transfer: A historic summer for Saudi football
Firmino's transfer came during a historic summer transfer window for Saudi football, which saw the arrival of a large number of top international stars. After an eight-year career filled with achievements at Liverpool, Firmino became a free agent, making him a target for several major clubs. This period coincided with the launch of a massive project by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) aimed at developing the Saudi Professional League and increasing its global market value by supporting top clubs like Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, and Al-Ittihad in signing world-class players.
The importance of the deal and its impact
Firmino's transfer was more than just a routine deal; it sent a powerful message from the Saudi league to the world. The fact that a player at the peak of his career, a former Champions League and Premier League champion, chose to join Al-Ahli Saudi instead of a club the size of Real Madrid reflects a significant shift in the balance of power in the global transfer market. This move proved that the Saudi league is no longer just a destination for players at the end of their careers, but has become an attractive sporting project capable of competing for the best talent.
Domestically, the arrival of Firmino, alongside Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessié, and Édouard Mendy, provided a significant boost to Al-Ahli, who had recently returned to the top flight. These signings have greatly increased the level of competition within the league and boosted media and public interest in the tournament both regionally and internationally, further solidifying the Kingdom's position as a rising sporting power on the global stage.
