Former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino's future is hanging in the balance after being dropped from Al-Ahli's squad for the second half of the Saudi Pro League season.

This decision was made following the recent acquisition of Wenderson Galeno from Porto by the Saudi Arabian team.

The Saudi Pro League rules permit clubs to register only 10 foreign players for their domestic campaign, and with Galeno's signing, Al-Ahli now has 11.



Consequently, head coach Matthias Jaissle decided to let go of ex-Liverpool favorite Firmino, who at 33, can now only participate in the AFC Champions League as Al-Ahli has already advanced to the last 16.

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"It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules," Jaissle commented.

Firmino, who left Liverpool in the summer of 2023 after an eight-year stint, has netted nine goals in 25 appearances for Al-Ahli this season and has captained the team for most of the campaign.

His removal from the domestic squad came just days after he scored a spectacular overhead kick and provided an assist in the 3-1 AFC Champions League victory over Al-Sadd

Former Liverpool players have had varying experiences since moving to Saudi Arabia.

Jordan Henderson spent just six months at Al-Ettifaq, where Gini Wijnaldum still plays but Steven Gerrard recently left as manager