Transfer Talk: Bobby can become a Firm favourite in Saudi Arabia

Roberto Firmino looks set to become the latest high-profile talent to move to Saudi Arabia. 

The Liverpool legend opted not to renew his contract at Anfield, meaning he is primed for a free transfer.

Several European clubs are linked with the Brazilian, including Barcelona, but reports now claim that he is close to signing with Al-Ahli. 

Ahead of Firmino's proposed move, we take a look at what the deal means for the Kop hero and the rapid development of the Saudi Pro League. 

Barca interest

There was plenty of interest in Firmino this summer, after a successful final season at Liverpool. 

The 31-year-old scored 11 goals in 25 Premier League appearances, which is even more impressive when you consider that he only started 13 of those games. 

Unsurprisingly, Jurgen Klopp was keen for his No9 to remain on Merseyside. Instead, in March it was announced that Firmino would depart after eight seasons at Anfield. 

As recently as May, it was being reported that the forward was likely to be on his way to Barcelona, with other European heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Inter Milan also being linked. 

Back then, a move to Saudi Arabia would have looked to be unlikely for a striker who had just proved that he can still make a major contribution at the top level of the game. 

Al-Ahli deal

The recent investment in the Saudi Pro League has seen Al-Ahli emerge as the club to ultimately land Firmino. 

Reports claim that the Selecao international will sign a three-year deal that will expire in 2026. 

Al-Ahli are one of the four biggest clubs in the league, that were recently all taken over by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. 

If Firmino makes the move, it looks like he will be team-mates with Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who is rumoured to be on the verge of a £16million transfer. 

Over the last month, the football world has been stunned by the pulling power of the Saudi Pro League. 

Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante signed for Al-Ittihad, while Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly moved to Al-Hilal, with Cristiano Ronaldo having joined Al-Nassr last season. 

Liverpool great

If Firmino joins Al-Ahli, he can move on to the next stage of his career, knowing that he has achieved just about everything that he could in the game. 

During his time at Liverpool he won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and scored the winning goal in the Club World Cup final against Flamengo. 

While some other players making the move to Saudi Arabia stand accused of potentially wasting the peak years of their careers, Firmino has already done it all and has nothing left to prove. 

This was summed up by his manager Klopp, who spoke about the striker when he left the Reds. 

He said: "We are professional football people and we have to part ways from time to time, it's a completely normal thing. 

"So, we will stay friends forever definitely, I will be grateful forever for everything he did for us, for me, and he will go down as one of the Liverpool greats. 

"What can you wish more for in a footballer's life than that?"