Roberto Firmino remains “happy” at Al-Ahli and is not pushing to move away from the club in January, sources have told This Is Anfield.
But speculation over the former Liverpool player’s future appears to continue amid a fight for regular playing time in the Saudi Pro League.
Firmino was part of the mass exodus to Saudi Arabia last summer after finishing a trophy-laden eight-year spell at Anfield.
But after scoring a hat-trick on his debut for Al-Ahli, things quickly began to turn sour for the Brazilian.
He has failed to score in any of his last 17 games since that memorable retirement, and has been limited to coming off the bench in his last six league games.
Consequently, reports have emerged this week suggesting he could be on the move just six months after his arrival in Jeddah.
Those suggestions have been downplayed by figures close to Firmino, who have insisted on This Is Anfield that he is still enjoying life at Al-Ahli.
However, with the 32-year-old having fallen down Matthias Jaissle’s pecking order, strong interest is expected in January.
Among the clubs believed to be interested in Firmino is Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The Dammam side have won just one of their last 11 league games, prompting a frustrated Gerrard to call for reinforcements in January.
He said: “We need to show in this window, and also in the summer window, that we are serious and want to be competitive at the top of the league, and not where we are at the moment.
“Hopefully, at the end of January we will see a different, stronger and more competitive team.”
A reunion with his former Reds teammate could be the first option, should Al-Ahli show his willingness to let Firmino go.
