'DIFFICULT DECISION'
Premier League legend dropped from Saudi Pro League squad for rest of this season to make space for £42m January signing
Club insist ex-Liverpool hero is still one of their 'leaders' but his future might now be in doubt
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AL-AHLI have decided to drop Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino from their Saudi Pro League squad for the rest of the season.
The striker has fallen foul of rules on foreign players - after Al-Ahli paid Porto £42milion for fellow Brazilian Galeno.
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Firmino, 33, is under contract until next year but speculation is growing over an early exit.
However, Al-Ahli are flying in the AFC Champions League.
And the 55-cap star can still play in that tournament - the top competition for Asian clubs.
Al-Ahli are already guaranteed a spot in the knockout phase after winning six of their first seven Group B matches.
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But domestically, amid a blitz of signings from Europe, the Saudi League has limited the number of overseas recruits to 10 per club.
And the arrival of 27-year-old winger Galeno from Porto has put paid to Firmino's domestic season.
It comes after the inventive attacker netted five times in 17 league games for Al-Ahli during the current campaign.
Al-Ahli manager Matthias Jaissle said: "It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules."
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And Jaissle appeared to suggest Firmino could still have a major role - away from the final 15 games in the Saudi Pro League.
He added: "We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He's still one of our leaders."
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But Firmino's new situation could now spark transfer talk.
And Al-Ahli might be amenable to offloading one of their big earners - if he finds a suitable taker.
Firmino arrived at the Middle East club in July 2023, having won the Champions League, Prem and FA Cup in eight years with Liverpool.
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