Roberto Firmino ditched by Al-Ahli! Ex-Liverpool star left out of squad for rest of Saudi Pro League season as €50m signing Galeno takes his place

Al-Ahli submitted an updated squad list after the completion of the January transfer window and Firmino has not been included. On deadline day, the club signed Galeno, a Brazilian winger, and Firmino has been axed to make way for him. Saudi clubs are allowed 10 foreign players, and two must be under the age of 21. Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney are registered but now Firmino has dropped out.

While the ex-Liverpool man will not be eligible to play in the Pro League, he can play in the Champions League. Al-Ahli have already qualified for the knockout stages of the competition.

Manager Matthias Jaissle said: "It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules.

"We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He's still one of our leaders."

Firmino has a contract until 2026 but it remains to be seen if he will seek an exit after being locked out of league football until the end of the season.