Former Premier League Stars Firmino, Mahrez Rip Up Saudi Pro League on Al Ahli Debut, Video

• Former Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino scored the first goal of the 2023-24 Saudi Pro League season
• The 31-year-old, who joined Al-Ahli from the Reds, started his career in Saudi on a flying note
• He scored a hattrick on his league debut, with Riyad Mahrez also starring against Al Hazem

Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez combined in a spectacular manner during their debut in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Ahli.

Exiting Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively, the two players joined a growing list of Premier League athletes who transitioned from Europe to the Middle East during the summer transfer window.

Their adaptation was swift as they quickly showcased their prowess by linking up to secure a goal in Al Ahli's inaugural league match against Al Hazem at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium on Friday evening.

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Merely six minutes were required for the Brazilian striker to notch his first goal for his new team.

Following suit, just four minutes later, the 31-year-old impressively doubled both his personal tally and his team's advantage, courtesy of a precision pass from the Algerian midfielder.

Here is the video:

He eventually crowned his perfect start to his Saudi career with his third goal (hattrick) as the Jeddah-based club secured a vital 3-1 win over Hazem as they began the new campaign on a winning note.

Firmino and Mahrez weren't the solitary high-profile departures from the EPL, as former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and ex-Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin also joined the exodus to Ahli.

Adding to this notable group of Premier League players, Franck Kessie completed a move from Barcelona to the Jeddah-based club.

Firmino mobbed by Saudi fans

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that Firmino was welcomed to Saudi Arabia by a large group of Al-Ahli fans who were excited to receive the former Liverpool forward as he starts a new phase of his career in the Middle East.

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The Brazil forward, who spent eight years with Liverpool, joined the growing superstar list to quit Europe for the Saudi Pro League after the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.