Firmino Seals Al-Sadd Switch as Al-Ahli Nets $8m Transfer Fee
Qatar Stars League giants Al-Sadd officially announced the signing of Brazilian striker Roberto Firmino from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ahli on Wednesday, confirming weeks of speculation about the forward’s departure.
The Doha-based club revealed the transfer via their social media channels, posting a video on platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) captioned: “Officially.. Firmino is Saddawi.” The video featured Firmino in the club’s iconic maroon kit, concluding with the message: “Welcome Firmino.” Al-Sadd did not disclose the financial details or contract length.
This move confirms reports published by “Al-Riyadiah” sports newspaper on July 14th and July 17th. According to the outlet, Al-Ahli management agreed to the transfer after receiving an offer from Al-Sadd. The Saudi club is set to receive a fee of 30 million Saudi Riyals (approximately $8 million USD), with Al-Sadd also taking over the full responsibility for the former Liverpool and Brazil international’s wages.
Firmino, 33, departs Al-Ahli after two seasons, having joined the Jeddah club in the summer of 2023 following a successful eight-year stint at Liverpool. During his time with Al-Ahli, Firmino made 65 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 17 assists.
His final season was marked by a significant twist: Firmino was excluded from Al-Ahli’s domestic league squad due to the Saudi Pro League’s foreign player limit rules. However, he remained eligible for the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE). This proved pivotal, as Firmino became a key figure in Al-Ahli’s historic triumph, helping them lift the AFC Champions League Elite trophy for the first time in the club’s history – a feat he highlighted in his emotional farewell message just yesterday.
Firmino’s move to Al-Sadd ends a memorable chapter in Saudi Arabia, defined by continental glory and significant contributions, and opens a new challenge in the Qatari top flight.
Latest
