Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has agreed to join Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli this summer as a free agent, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 31-year-old will complete his move to Saudi Arabia following a medical as his contract with the Merseyside club expires today, June 30.
Firmino joins a host of stars leaving Europe for the Gulf nation. Saudi Arabia throws out huge salaries to attract players.
He will join former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who also signed for newly promoted Al Ahli this summer.
Firmino had interest from Inter Milan, Barcelona and Galatasaray but decided to move to the Middle East.
Firmino joined Liverpool from TSG Hoffenheim in 2015 for £29m and has become a fan favorite during his eight years at the club.
He was initially signed as an attacking midfielder, but Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp converted him to a striker. He effectively linked the play between center and attack.
He also linked up well with fellow strikers Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. They won the FA Cup, the EFL Cup and the Premier League.
In addition, they won the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and the Club World Cup.
Firmino scored 111 goals and assisted a further 79 in 362 games for Liverpool. He has 13 goals and four assists in over 30 games this season.
Klopp reportedly wanted Liverpool to keep him, but the club decided to let him go.
The German manager must use one of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez or Diogo Jota as his primary center forward option. Signing a striker is not one of their summer transfer priorities.
In addition to Firmino, Liverpool also released Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Keita returns to Germany after a disappointing spell in England, while Milner has signed for Brighton & Hove Albion ahead of next season.
It’s still unclear where Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future lies, but it’s definitely not at Liverpool.