Roberto Firmino scores first goal since leaving Liverpool as Al Ahli record 18-0 victory

Roberto Firmino has opened his Al Ahli account after netting twice during their 18-0 pre-season friendly win.

The Brazilian called time on his Liverpool career after leaving Anfield at the end of the 22/23 season.

During what was a trophy-laden eight-year stay with the Reds, Firmino won the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

In total, Firmino made 362 appearances across all competitions for the Anfield club, scoring 111 goals.

The 31-year-old decided to ditch European football by signing for Saudi Professional League side Al Ahli earlier in the month.

On Wednesday, Firmino scored twice within 20 minutes as Al Ahli thrashed Austrian second-tier side USV Stuhlfelden.

Firmino’s new team were 10-0 up after 45 minutes before adding eight more goals in the second half.

The Brazilian played up top alongside former Real Betis and Saint Etienne star Ryad Boudebouz.

Algerian winger Riyad Mahrez could soon be linking up with Firmino and co. after it was reported that Al Ahli have agreed a fee of around €35 million with Manchester City.

Mahrez is said to be handed a contract worth a whopping £300,000 per week.

Back in January, five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo became the first big name to leave European football for the Middle East.

After his contract with Manchester United was torn up, Ronaldo signed for Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr.

Since then, Saudi Arabia have been splashing the cash in a bid to lure some of football’s biggest names to the country.

To date, the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Marcelo Brozovic, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly have all signed for Saudi clubs.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is reportedly closing in on a move to Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Reds legend Steven Gerrard.

Getty

After their 4-2 win over Karlsruher SC, manager Jurgen Klopp said: “As long as things are not really finally decided, we don’t have to talk about it. There will be a moment where we probably have to talk about it, but it’s not now.

“In the end, all of these decisions [over players] are made by me. And because I respect the players a lot, it’s usually with consent. It was in this case, and it is all fine.”