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Sheffield United-linked Roberto Firmino 'unlikely to make Premier League return'

Sheffield United-linked Firmino 'unlikely to make Premier League return'
© Reuters
Al-Ahli forward Roberto Firmino is reportedly unlikely to move to the Premier League in the January transfer window, despite interest from strugglers Sheffield United.

Al-Ahli striker Roberto Firmino has reportedly decided against a move to Premier League club Sheffield United in the January transfer window.

Firmino moved to the riches of the Saudi Pro League back in the summer following the expiration of his contract at Liverpool, where he enjoyed a successful eight-year period.

Since bagging a hat-trick on the opening day of the season against Al Hazem, Firmino has failed to make the net ripple in his next 16 league appearances in the Middle East.

Sections of the Al-Ahli fanbase are unhappy with the 55-time Brazil international's performances, with their team 13 points behind league leaders Al-Hilal.

According to Football Insider, Firmino is aware of interest in him from the Premier League, however the attacker is said to be unlikely to return to England.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino pictured on May 20, 2023© Reuters

The report claims that Chris Wilder's Sheffield United have been monitoring the 32-year-old's situation over the past few months, as the Blades look to pull of an ambitious move.

However, it is understood that Firmino does not want a switch to Bramall Lane in the New Year, where he would be thrown into the midst of a relegation battle.

A poor run at the start of the season cost Paul Heckingbottom his position as head coach at the Yorkshire club, and despite Wilder coming in, the Blades are still bottom of the Premier League, seven points from safety.

It is believed that Firmino is available for a loan switch away from Al-Ahli in the January transfer window, with the Brazilian hoping for a move.

Al Ettifaq - managed by the Brazilian's former teammate Steven Gerrard - have been linked with a move for the striker, however it remains to be seen whether that materialises this month.

Al Ettifaq coach Steven Gerrard on November 4, 2023© Reuters

As well as Wilder's Blades, some other unnamed Premier League clubs are keeping an eye on Firmino ahead a potential swoop for the player in the winter window.

After joining from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the summer of 2015, Firmino went on to score 111 goals in 362 appearances for Liverpool, helping the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory under Jurgen Klopp.

The 32-year-old also formed a stellar working relationship with fellow attackers Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah at Anfield - a trio which is regarded as one of the greatest in English top-flight history.

Wilder and Sheffield United will forget about the struggles of the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, when the Blades travel to League Two Gillingham in the third round of the FA Cup.

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Al Ahli's Roberto Firmino in action on September 22, 2023
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rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Al-HilalAl-Hilal28262086186880
2Al-Nassr29232484354971
3Al-AhliAl-Ahli28157654302452
4Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun29149648311751
5Al Ittihad29155955401550
6Al Ettifaq29101183530541
7Al Fateh29117114844440
8Damac29108114035538
9Al ShababAl Shabab29108113936338
10Al Fayha29108113846-838
11Al Khaleej2998123240-835
12Al WahdaAl Wahda2995154149-832
13Al RaedAl Raed2987143845-731
14Al Riyadh2977152651-2528
15Al Okhdood2983182747-2027
16Al Tai2975172957-2826
17Abha2974183178-4725
18Al Hazem29310162968-3919


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