Roberto Firmino faces uncertain Saudi future amid Premier League interest

The 32-year-old linked up with the Saudi Pro League outfit in the summer on a free transfer after being released by Liverpool.

And he got off to the perfect start in the Middle East after bagging a hat-trick on his debut.

But the Brazilian hasn't scored since, with the Reds legend subject to criticism from the Al Ahli fanbase as they sit third in the table.

Having featured in just 18 games, the former Hoffenheim forward could now be set to move on in the winter transfer window.

It is believed that Firmino is frustrated by Al Ahli's system, with the club willing to loan him out in the New Year.

Sheffield United were monitoring his situation ahead of a possible shock swoop for the player under previous boss Paul Heckingbottom.

However following his sacking and Chris Wilder's re-appointment, it is unclear whether the Blades remain a viable option.

Al Ahli would prefer to keep Firmino in the Gulf nation, though the 2019 Copa America winner is open to departing Saudi to return to Europe or his native Brazil.

Firmino has interest from Turkey, but he could yet stay in Saudi Arabia, with Al Shabab, Al Ettifaq and Al Fateh all linked.

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Following a summer which saw Saudi sides splash the cash on bringing in high-profile stars, a number of teams have used up all of their budget.

And this has seen Al Shabab emerge as Al Ahli's loan preference as they still have money left in their kitty to pay his wages.

Whereas Al Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard, can only bring him in if Al Ahli agree to pay at least half - or all - of Firmino's salary.

Gerrard recently waxed lyrical over the 2019 Champions League winner in an interview with talkSPORT's Saudi correspondent Ben Jacobs.

He said: "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 Firmino since the first day I watched him and I'm a huge fan. He belongs to another club, so I won't sit here and name names."

It remains to be seen if Firmino will depart the King Abdullah Sports City in January, or whether he could push to leave next summer.

Having not started a game since October, Firmino has one last chance to play in 2023 before the Saudi winter break which runs until February.