Liverpool legend set to link-up with Jose Mourinho in SEISMIC transfer

Roberto Firmino will forever be in the hearts of Liverpool fans as a true hero of the club.

The rare figure that broaches both genuine icon status as well as a cult hero reverence, Firmino was essential to Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League and Champions League-winning teams.

READ MORE: Liverpool prepare to spend £65m on SPECIAL England international

It hurt to see him finally depart Merseyside for Saudi Arabia, but a salary of around £300,000 per-week and the chance to link up with Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie and Allan Saint-Maximin at the time was understandable.

But it hasn't been all bread and roses for Firmino and Al-Ahli since then. His 15 goal involvements took them to third in the Saudi Pro League, which was impressive particularly due to them having just been promoted.

But things aren’t exactly going to plan this season. Ahli sit fifth in the league at time of writing, behind even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Al-Qadsiah, and second in their side of the AFC Champions League.

Firmino only holds three league goals and two assists in 12 games, contributing to an overall malaise despite being the side’s captain.

Rumours have followed of his departure from Saudi Arabia and a new report is sure to raise eyebrows.

Firmino and Mourinho: together at last?

Saudi outlet SBA Sport are reporting that Firmino may be close to joining Turkish giants Fenerbache.

Yes, the Fenerbache side that are managed by Jose Mourinho.

If this were to occur it would be a match made in heaven. Reds are well aware of the fire and passion Firmino brings to a football pitch, and a man-manager like Mourinho would be sure to get everything he needs and more out of the Brazilian.

Fenerbache themselves are trying to re-establish themselves to the status they want in Turkish football, not having won the Turkish Super Lig since the 2013-14 season despite still holding the second-most league titles in the country’s history.

They spent big this past summer on Morocco’s Youssef El-Nesyri from Sevilla and Premier League old boy Caglar Soyuncu from Atletico Madrid, as well as bringing in the aforementioned Saint-Maximin.

As a result, they already have a working relationship with Al-Ahli through which to pursue Firmino.

He would join them six points adrift from fierce rivals Galatasaray in the league and teetering in the unranked places of the Europa League league stage, which would currently see them face Ajax or Real Sociedad in the playoff round.

It could be a welcome resurgence in a fascinating environment for a beloved figure.

READ MORE: Mo Salah admits he is now READY to consider other contract offers