Roberto Firmino joins Saudi League club Al-Ahli following Liverpool departure | OneFootball

Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has agreed to join Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli this summer as a free agent, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 31-year-old will complete his move to Saudi Arabia after his medicals following the expiry of his contract with the Reds.

Firmino joins a host of stars leaving Europe for the Gulf nation. Saudi Arabia is shelling out enormous salaries to attract players.

He will join former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has also signed for the newly promoted Al-Ahli this summer.

Firmino had interest from Inter Milan, Barcelona and Galatasaray, but he has decided to move to the Middle East.

He joined Liverpool from TSG Hoffenheim in 2015 for £29 million and became a fan favourite during his eight years at the club.

Firmino effectively linked play between midfield and attack, forging a formidable attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Liverpool won several trophies with Firmino in the team including the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

Firmino bagged 111 goals and 79 assists in 362 appearances for Liverpool. Manager Jurgen Klopp wanted to keep him at Anfield, but the club allowed the forward to leave.

The German manager must use one of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota as his primary centre-forward option from next season.

Liverpool have also released Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Keita has returned to Germany after an underwhelming spell in England, Milner has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future is unknown.