Makes space for Galeno
© Imago
It is common that players who take on a joker role are not nominated by their club for the Champions League squad. It is rare that the captain of a club will be deleted from the league contingent during the season and is only allowed to run in the premier class. This is what happened at Saudi legionnaire Roberto Firmino (33) at Al-Nahli. The Brazilian striker lost his place in the squad for the Saudi Pro League to his compatriot Galeno (27), who came from FC Porto in the winter transfer window for 50 million euros. The ex-Liverpooler may only appear in the AFC Champions League Elite for the rest of the season.
Coach Matthias Jaissle said: “It was a difficult decision for the club and was based on the rules.” The German refers to the league’s foreigners regulation, which provides that a maximum of ten foreign players can be reported for the league. Eight of them without age restrictions and two must be born this season in 2003 or afterwards – these places are borne by Alexsander (21) and the 9 million euro winter access Matteo Dams (20).
There are currently eleven legionaries in Al-Alahlis and there was no space for Firmino. “We appreciate him and he handled it professionally. He is still one of our leaders, ”says Jaissle (cited via“Express“).
Since 2023: Al-Nahli invested 294 million euros-Firmino came free
The well-known players without Saudi passport are among Al-Ali Ivan Toney (28), Gabri Veiga (23), Roger Ibañez (26), Franck Kessié (28), Merih Demiral (26), Riyad Mahrez (33) and Edouard Mendy (32). The club has invested 294 million euros in new additions since 2023. Firmino was the only international star that signed free of charge after he had not received a new working paper in Liverpool.
The striker’s contract, which was involved in 30 goals for Al-Ahli in 59 games, is dated until June 30, 2026-the sign could therefore be goodbye. However, relatively few leagues of format still have an open transfer window. These include the Turkish Süper Lig, who has her deadline day on February 11th, the Swiss Super League (February 17th) and the MLS (April 23).