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Image Credits: YouTube/Fabrizio Romano

Roberto Firmino has been omitted from Al-Ahli’s Saudi Pro League (SPL) squad for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, casting significant doubt over his future in Saudi Arabia.

The decision, driven by the league’s foreign player quota regulations, has ignited widespread speculation about potential moves to clubs in Europe, Turkey, or Brazil, with Fenerbahçe, Arsenal, and Palmeiras emerging as leading candidates to secure the former Liverpool star’s services

Al-Ahli’s decision to deregister Firmino stems from the SPL’s strict limit of 10 foreign players per squad, a rule that forced the club to make difficult choices following their €50 million acquisition of Brazilian winger Galeno from Porto in January 2025.

With high-profile internationals like Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie, and Ivan Toney deemed indispensable, Firmino—despite his leadership role and nine-goal contributions this season—became the casualty of the roster crunch417.

Manager Matthias Jaissle acknowledged the complexity of the decision, stating:

“It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules.

He’s still one of our leaders.”

What did Fabrizio Romano say about Roberto Firmino amid Arsenal links?

While barred from domestic league matches, Firmino retains eligibility for Al-Ahli’s AFC Champions League campaign.

This duality—exclusion domestically but continued continental participation—mirrors Neymar’s experience at Al-Hilal earlier this season, where injury concerns led to a similar contractual dissolution.

With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sidelined long-term, manager Mikel Arteta faced mounting pressure to recruit experienced attacking depth in January.

The Spaniard even revealed that he was ultimately disappointed that the Gunners were not able to find quality reinforcements last month.

As a result, if the Liverpool legend becomes a free agent, it has been reported that the North London club could snap him up.

But according to Fabrizio Romano, Roberto Firmino will not be going to Arsenal or any other club:

“He’s still not leaving Al-Ahli now as the Saudi club insists to continue until the summer as they can use him in the Asian Champions League,” Romano wrote for GIVEMESPORT.

“Let’s see what happens if they change their stance.”

For Firmino, it’s hard to see him being happy with only playing in the Asian Champions League.

He has already sent out some messages on social media that hint he is not too happy with the situation.

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