Steven Gerrard is reportedly eyeing another ex-Liverpool man to bolster his ranks at Al-Ettifaq.
Gerrard has already brought in the likes of Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum.
Additionally, the former Rangers manager has also brought in Liverpool academy analyst Ray Shearwood – further showing his tendency to use his Anfield links as an advantage.
Now journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested that Steven Gerrard has not stopped there and is looking at the signing of Roberto Firmino.
The Brazilian’s fortunes with Al-Ahli have soured, with the man himself thought to be deliberating an exit from the Saudi club.
Speaking on The Debrief podcast, Jacobs spoke on Firmino’s situation:
“Bobby Firmino is an interesting one because he’s not playing at Al Ahli,” explains the journalist.
“I’m told from the Saudi dealmakers side, they’d rather keep him optics wise in Saudi until the end of the season, then Firmino might leave.”
“A loan could be a possibility. Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq are a genuine contender, but only if Al Ahli pay basically 100 per cent of the wages and if not, that won’t be feasible.”
“Al Shabab and even Slaven Bilic’s Al Fateh have looked. But it’s all about Firmino. Because there’s a break now he’ll assess.”
“It wouldn’t remotely surprise me if there’s some MLS interest in Firmino, and we know that Turkey as well have looked at him in the past.”
“So that could be for January but I sense if he is to exit Saudi he might have to wait until the summer.”
Although Firmino got off to a positive start in Saudi Arabia by scoring a hat-trick on his debut, matters have deteriorated since.
Firmino, who had even captained Al-Ahli at times this season, is now struggling to get minutes and has found himself out of favour.
What has Steven Gerrard said about Roberto Firmino?
Gerrard previously spoke on links to Firmino, stating:
“I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I’ve been a massive fan.
I’ve followed him for years. At the moment, he’s Al-Ahli’s player, so it’s very difficult for me to comment on that situation.
But I’ve loved Bobby since the first day I watched him and I’m a huge fan.”