Firmino Joins Ronaldo and Benzema in Becoming Saudi Pro League's Latest Signing

• Roberto Firmino was a free agent after his Liverpool contract expired at the end of last season.
• The 31 year old was linked with a move to Real Madrid amongst other clubs
• The Brazilian forward has opted for one of his most lucrative offers

Roberto Firmino has become the latest European elite star to complete a transfer to the Saudi Professional League, having joined Al-Alhi on a free transfer after his Liverpool exit.

The 31-year-old left Liverpool after eight seasons during which he scored 111 goals in 362 appearances and won the Premier League, Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the FA Community Shield whilst notably forming a devastating attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

Firmino’s arrival at Al-Ahli was revealed by the club in a video posted on Twitter. and it comes less than a week after the team concluded a deal to sign Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from Chelsea.

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Football

Saudi PIF pull

Backed by the nation's sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Saudi Pro League has been able to pull Europe’s biggest names with the promise of huge salaries.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard took over as coach at Al-Ettifaq earlier in the week, while Karim Benzema and NGolo Kante have also made the move to the Gulf state since Cristiano Ronaldo's switch to Al-Nassr in January started the trend.

As reported by The Athletics, the trend underlines the league's ambition to be one of the top five in the world and follows a decision in June by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Newcastle United, to take over four leading clubs in the country.

Firmino’s classy goodbye gesture

Sports Brief earlier reported on the classy goodbye gesture shown by Firmino to Liverpool staff.

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg on Twitter, the forward gave out 200 custom gifts to his teammates, staff, friends, and family at a party hosted for him.

The contents of the personalised gifts included a signed Liverpool shirt, ''With Love Bobby'' stitched in front, and ''Si Senor'' on the neck, the song the Reds' supporters sang for him at Anfield.