Gerrard 'hoping to sign Liverpool icon' in Saudi Arabia after 'love' admission
Steven Gerrard wants to lure Roberto Firmino to Al-Ettifaq - with both Liverpool icons struggling to make an impression so far in Saudi Arabia.
Pressure is mounting on Gerrard after six Saudi Pro League games without a win, with the tricky run stretching back to October. Al-Ettifaq lost 2-0 at home to Al-Taawoun last time out and face a daunting trip to Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr on Friday.
Firmino is also struggling in Saudi Arabia and the 32-year-old forward, who left Liverpool for Al-Ahli in July, has scored just three goals in 15 league games. Al-Ahli are third in the Saudi Pro League, 13 points behind runaway leaders Al-Hilal.
Al-Ettifiaq, meanwhile, are eighth in the table. Although Al-Ettifaq are not one of the four clubs bankrolled by the Public Investment Fund - Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund - their owners have invested significantly in their squad since Gerrard took charge.
Jack Hendry, Moussa Dembele, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray arrived from Club Brugge, Lyon, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Everton respectively during the summer. They were all viewed as big-name signings for Al-Ettifiaq.
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Gerrard is now looking to splash even more cash. As reported by Liverpool.com, rumours are circulating about Al-Ettifaq's interest in Firmino. It's believed Gerrard's team and several of their Saudi Pro League rivals are considering a loan bid for the star.
Firmino's contract with Al-Ahli doesn't expire until June 2026. The Brazil international hasn't started in the league since October, with his last five appearances coming from the bench. That is alarming, as Firmino was appointed Al-Ahli's captain on his arrival.
Firmino is struggling for minutes at Al-Ahli (Getty Images)Do you think Roberto Firmino will join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq? Let us know in the comments below!
Gerrard was asked about Al-Ettifaq's rumoured interest in Firmino at a recent press conference. He refused to comment on the situation but confessed his 'love' for the player.
The Al-Ettifaq boss said: "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."
Gerrard also revealed Al-Ettifaq's need for reinforcements in January, with the team just 10 points above the relegation zone. He added: "It's clear we need to recruit extremely strongly in the next window. We have to bring better players into the building."
Firmino would be an ideal signing for Gerrard. He's played more than 600 first-team games for club and country. He scored more than 100 goals during an eight-year spell at Liverpool to win seven trophies, including the Champions League and Premier League.
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