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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-Hilal32293096217590
2Al-Nassr32253494385678
3Al-AhliAl-Ahli31177761342758
4Al-TaawounAl-Taawoun311410748341452
5Al Ittihad32156115749851
6Al Ettifaq32111294233945
7Al Fayha321110114350-743
8Al Fateh32119125351242
9Al ShababAl Shabab31118124238441
10Damac321010124240240
11Al Khaleej32910133443-937
12Al RaedAl Raed3298154048-835
13Al WahdaAl Wahda32105174357-1435
14Al Tai3287173359-2631
15Al Riyadh3179152853-2530
16Al Okhdood3285193051-2129
17Abha3185183479-4529
18Al Hazem31311173072-4220


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