ROBERTO FIRMINO could follow in Cristiano Ronaldo’s footsteps with a move to Saudi Arabia.
But the Brazilian would reportedly prefer to pen a new contract with Liverpool instead.
Roberto Firmino is wanted by Saudi Arabian sides but would prefer a new Liverpool dealGetty
AFPFirmino could join Cristiano Ronaldo in the desert – but not at Al-Nassr[/caption]
Ronaldo, 37, stunned footy fans by accepting a £173million-a-year deal to join Middle Eastern giants Al-Nassr following his Manchester United exit.
The Portugal legend is unlikely to ever be seen again in Europe’s top flight.
But Ronaldo is not the first big name to move to Saudi Arabia, with aces including Champions League winner Luiz Gustavo and ex-Man Utd striker Odion Ighalo plying their trade there.
And now Liverpool ace Firmino is being lined up for a dance in the desert despite links with Atletico Madrid and several Serie A sides.
Sky Germany claim the 31-year-old has received approaches from several Saudi sides after entering the final six months of his Reds deal.
Firmino can strike a pre-contract agreement right now, with foreign clubs able to secure a free transfer abroad this summer.
But Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr are understood to not be in the running.
And those who are may be left disappointed, as Firmino’s priority is to continue at Anfield.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
It’s believed talks with Liverpool over a renewal are well underway, and both parties are taking a relaxed approach in negotiations.
Firmino can certainly go down in the history books on Merseyside following his £29million move from Hoffenheim in 2015.
The 55-time Brazil international has scored 107 goals in 348 games for Liverpool, winning a Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in the process.