Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli are reportedly closing in on the signing of soon-to-be free agent Roberto Firmino.
The 31-year-old forward will officially end his eight-year association with Liverpool when his contract at Anfield expires on June 30.
A potential stay in Europe has been mooted for Firmino, with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Inter Milan all believed to be considering a summer swoop for the Brazilian.
However, Firmino has also attracted interest from the big spenders in Saudi Arabia, with newly-promoted Al-Ahli having recently stepped up their pursuit of the forward.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Al-Ahli are 'advancing to the final stages' of signing Firmino after holding talks with the forward's representatives.
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A three-year contract is said to be on the table for Firmino, but Romano states that there are still some discussions to take place over a few details before the Brazilian gives the green light to move to the Middle East.
Al-Ahli are also on the verge of signing Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has allegedly completed his medical and put pen to paper of a three-year contract.
Firmino won a total of seven trophies during his time at Liverpool, lifting the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
The versatile attacker contributed with 111 goals and 79 assists in 362 appearances for the Merseysiders in all competitions, although injuries restricted his game time in the 2022-23 campaign.
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Both Firmino and Mendy are two of the latest names set to swap European football for the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Ahli one of four clubs, along with Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal and Al-Nassr, who are now controlled by the nation's Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Portugal international Ruben Neves recently became the most expensive player in Saudi Arabian top-flight history when he completed his £47m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers to Al-Hilal, who have also signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea for around £17m.
Hakim Ziyech is another set to depart Stamford Bridge and join Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, while French duo N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema completed their moves to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad earlier this month.
The likes of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, Manchester City pair Riyad Mahrez and Bernardo Silva, Chelsea duo Romelu Lukaku and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha are among a number of other players who have been linked with a big-money switch to Saudi Arabia.
Oliver Thomas
