Firmino targeted for Liverpool transfer reunion amid Saudi Arabia goal struggles

Roberto Firmino's future at Al-Ahli is up in the air just six months after he joined the Saudi Arabian club on a free transfer from Liverpool.

The 32-year-old has mustered just three goals in 17 appearances in Jeddah - all of which came on his debut in a 3-1 win over Al-Hazem back in August. Having previously worn the captain's armband, the Anfield icon has now lost his place in Matthias Jaissle's star-studded side and has not started a match since late October.

Mirror Football understands Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Fateh are now showing interest in a loan deal while Steven Gerrard is also understood to be keen on reuniting Firmino with his former Liverpool team-mates Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum at Al-Ettifaq - should the Brazil international become available.

Gerrard recently said of potential interest in Firmino: "I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I've been a massive fan. I've followed him for years. At the moment, he's Al-Ahli's player, so it's very difficult for me to comment on that situation. But I've loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I'm a huge fan."

Saudi clubs are only permitted to register eight foreign players in their official squads and offloading Firmino next month would present Al-Ahli with a chance to bring in another high-profile recruit from overseas, should they wish.  The skillful Brazilian has had a tough time since making the lucrative switch to the Middle East at the end of last season having tragically lost his father Jose Roberto Cordeiro in November following a heart attack in Dubai.  Al-Ahli boast a number of marquee players within their ranks including former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin, Edouard Mendy, Franck Kessie, Gabri Veiga,