Roberto Firmino drama moves Mo Salah one step CLOSER to Saudi deal

The influence of the Saudi Pro League is only set to grow.

Teams in the Middle East have very openly admired Mohamed Salah and while one of Liverpool's ex-Reds struggles out there, the prospect of Salah leaving could become more likely.

Read more: Arne Slot makes HISTORY with Liverpool feat unseen for over 30 years

Making the move to Saudi Arabia in 2023, Roberto Firmino immediately made a bright start for his new club Al-Ahli making 31 goal contributions in 43 matches across all competitions.

However, when the Brazilian has been absent from the starting XI, Al-Ahli has been no worse off, staying unbeaten in the 11 matches he missed last season.

In a recent report from Kooora, Firmino is no longer guaranteed a place in the club's attacking lineup this season, after he gave up the striker role for Ivan Toney and manager Matthias Jaisle is feeling more convinced by his other attacking options.

At 33 years old Firmino is still working hard for the team as club captain, but his three goals from the opening nine games this season are considered to be below the standard that is required from him. The Brazilian is low on goals, low on wins - and running low on backers in Saudi Arabia.

Al-Ahli appear ready to move on from one of the first major arrivals to the Middle East. And that opens a door Liverpool don't want opened.

Is the door now open for a Salah move?

While Salah has been able to shy away from Saudi Arabian interest so far, further approaches will likely be made for the Egyptian next summer, especially with the player now into the last year of his contract, staring down the barrel of becoming a free agent if extension negotiations fall flat.

Salah has been a remarkable servant for Liverpool over the years and no fan will be looking forward to the prospect of the 32-year-old moving on.

But with Firmino looking likely to be edged out at Al-Ahli next season, a spot would open up for the winger to play alongside Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney.

This would enable Liverpool's Egyptian King to live much closer to his home country and earn some substantial money in what would likely be the last move of his career.

Salah's contract is not the only pressing issue Liverpool are currently dealing with as Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold also approach the end of their deals.