former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino has been omitted from Al-Ahli’s Saudi Pro League squad for the remainder of the season.
This decision comes in the wake of the club’s acquisition of Brazilian winger Galeno from FC Porto for £42 million, which necessitated compliance with the league’s foreign player quota. citeturn0news18
Foreign Player Quota Constraints
The Saudi Pro League enforces a regulation that limits each club to a maximum of 10 foreign players.
With Galeno’s arrival, Al-Ahli exceeded this limit, compelling the club to make the difficult decision to exclude one of their existing foreign players to accommodate the new signing.
Despite his contributions, Firmino was the player chosen to be omitted from the domestic league squad. citeturn0news18
Firmino’s Performance at Al-Ahli
Since joining Al-Ahli in the summer of 2023 after an illustrious eight-year tenure at Liverpool, Firmino has been a significant presence on the field.
In the current season, he has made 17 league appearances, scoring five goals. His overall contributions include nine goals and five assists across 25 matches in all competitions.
Despite these commendable statistics, the club’s strategic decisions and roster constraints have led to his exclusion from the league squad. citeturn0news18
Eligibility for AFC Champions League
While Firmino is ineligible to participate in the remaining 15 domestic league matches this season, he remains eligible for selection in the AFC Champions League.
The Asian continental competition does not impose the same foreign player restrictions as the Saudi Pro League, allowing Firmino to continue contributing to Al-Ahli’s campaign on that front.
The club has already secured a spot in the knockout stages, and Firmino’s experience and skill will be invaluable as they aim for continental success. citeturn0news18
Managerial Perspective
Al-Ahli’s manager, Matthias Jaissle, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision to exclude Firmino from the league squad.
He praised Firmino’s professionalism and emphasized that the decision was purely strategic, aimed at optimizing the team’s performance within the constraints of league regulations.
Jaissle expressed confidence that Firmino would continue to play a crucial role in the team’s AFC Champions League pursuits and highlighted the forward’s positive response to the situation. citeturn0news18
Future Uncertainty
Firmino’s contract with Al-Ahli extends until 2026, but his recent exclusion has cast doubt on his long-term future with the club.
Reports suggest that he may consider options elsewhere, with potential interest from clubs in Brazil and other international destinations.
Given his track record and the respect he commands in the football community, Firmino is likely to attract attention from teams seeking an experienced and versatile forward. citeturn0news17
Fan and Media Reactions
The news of Firmino’s exclusion has elicited a wave of sympathy and support from fans and former teammates.
Many have expressed their disappointment, emphasizing Firmino’s professionalism and the quality he brings to the pitch.
Media outlets have also highlighted the unexpected nature of the decision, considering Firmino’s contributions to Al-Ahli since his arrival. citeturn0news18
Conclusion
Roberto Firmino’s omission from Al-Ahli’s Saudi Pro League squad underscores the often harsh realities of professional football, where strategic decisions and regulatory constraints can impact even the most accomplished players.
As Firmino navigates this challenging chapter, his resilience and professionalism will undoubtedly guide his next steps, whether that involves a continued role in Al-Ahli’s continental pursuits or a new opportunity elsewhere.
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