Fans accuse Al Ahli of 'disrespecting' their own player after making brutal squad cut to register new signing

Fans have been reacting on social media after Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli made a brutal decision to axe one of their star players to register a new signing.

During the January transfer window, clubs in the Saudi Pro League again splashed the cash as they looked to lure some of Europe's top players to the Middle East.

Jhon Duran completed a high-profile move from Premier League side Aston Villa to Al Nassr, in a deal worth a reported fee of £65 million.

Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Wenderson Galeno left Portuguese outfit FC Porto for Al Ahli in a deal worth a reported £41.6 million.

Galeno joined the likes of Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, Franck Kessie and Edouard Mendy as one of the club's big money signings in recent years.

However, it has now been claimed that former Liverpool man Firmino has been axed from Al Ahli's squad for the Saudi Pro League.

As per regulations, teams in the competition are only allowed 10 foreign players.

Prior to Galeno's arrival, Al Ahli already had the likes of Roger Ibanez, Merih Demiral, Matteo Dams, Ezgjan Allioski, Alexsander, Gabri Veiga, Kessie, Mahrez, Mendy, Toney and Firmino.

Now, according to reports in Saudi Arabia, Firmino has made way for Al Ahli to register Galeno.

This means that the Brazilian will only be able to play in the Asian Champions League for the remainder of the season.

Reacting on social media, one fan said: "It's disappointing to see Firmino sidelined from the Saudi Pro League squad."

Another tweeted: "Disrespectful bunch."

A third fan added: "Big slap on Bobby."

Roberto Firmino faces an uncertain future at Al Ahli. Image: Getty

Recently, Firmino rolled back the years as he produced a stunning bicycle kick goal during Al Ahli's clash against Qatari side Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League.

“That’s magic!” raved the commentator. “Spectacular finish from Roberto Firmino!

“The header’s excellent from [Riyad] Mahrez and look at that for a finish from Roberto Firmino. Rolling back the years, the 33-year-old striker. Brilliant finish.”

Prior to transfer deadline day, Firmino was linked with a move away from Al Ahli but it has since been reported that the expectation is the 33-year-old will look to fulfil his current contract, which expires in 2026.