Firmino, Celtic’s Jota and Marcelo Brozovic all close on deals to Saudi clubs

The former Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino has become the latest player to join the big-spending Saudi Pro League after agreeing a deal with Al-Ahli.

The Brazilian is yet to pass his medical but has agreed personal terms on a contract that will run until June 2026.

Firmino, who signed for Liverpool for £29m in 2015 but decided not to extend his stay at Anfield, will become a teammate of the former Chelsea goalkeeper Édouard Mendy at Al-Ahli.

Another Saudi side, Al-Ittihad, are also closing in on a deal for Celtic’s Jota. The Portuguese is keen to join former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema at the club, and the parties are believed to be close to striking a final agreement.

Jota’s departure would be a blow for returning manager Brendan Rodgers, after the Portuguese helped Celtic secure a domestic treble last season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions.

Internazionale’s Marcelo Brozovic has agreed a move to Al-Nassr and will undergo a medical on Friday before the deal is confirmed. Inter hope to use the €23m fee to buy Sassuolo’s Davide Frattesi.

Barcelona were interested in Brozovic but were unable to compete financially with Al-Nassr’s contract offer, which runs until 2026 and is worth more than €100m to the 30-year-old Croat in salary and signing fee. Barça president Joan Laporta told Onze on Thursday: “Brozovic, [Martín] Zubimendi and [Joshua] Kimmich are too expensive — these deals are not happening due to the financial package required”.

Marcelo Brozovic in action for Croatia against Spain in the Uefa Nations League earlier this month. Photograph: Jean Catuffe/DPPI/Shutterstock

Brozovic will become teammates with Al-Nassr’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with the Saudi club also keen on signing Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea. The Blues have already sold Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly to Al-Ahli and Al-Hilal respectively, while N’Golo Kanté joined Al-Ittihad upon the expiry of his contract at Chelsea earlier this summer.

On Thursday, it was announced that Kanté has bought Belgian third division side Royal Excelsior Virton, with the Frenchman set to take over ownership from Flavio Becca from 1 July. The club, which is situated near the Luxembourg border, did not disclose any financial details for the deal.

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“Flavio is obviously extremely happy to be able to hand over the keys of the club to N’Golo Kanté, a player of great class, not only for his footballing qualities but also and above all for his universally recognised human qualities,” it said in a statement. “Flavio is handing over a club in good financial health, free of all debt. A new board of directors will be appointed in the next few days.”

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler was appointed coach of Saudi Arabian second division team Al-Qadsiah on Thursday.

Al-Qadsiah, who finished 11th last season, were relegated from the Pro league in 2020-2021, did not give the any details about the contract but local media said it will be for one season.

Fowler, 48, has previously managed Thai Muangthong United, Australian Brisbane Roar and Indian’s East Bengal.