Al Ahly have dismissed reports linking them with a move for Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, insisting their immediate focus remains firmly on securing the Egyptian Premier League title.
Speculation had emerged suggesting the Cairo-based club had entered negotiations to sign the former Liverpool striker, who previously played alongside Mohamed Salah. The reports indicated that Al Ahly’s vice-president, Yassin Mansour, was keen to strengthen the squad’s attacking options ahead of the upcoming season.
However, those claims have now been firmly rejected. Saudi outlet Okaz reported that, after consulting a source within Al Ahly, the information was “completely false,” contradicting earlier speculation about an imminent approach for the forward.
Focus Remains on Domestic Success
According to the report, Al Ahly’s priorities lie elsewhere, with the club concentrating on the closing stages of the domestic campaign. With four matches remaining in the Egyptian Premier League season, the Cairo giants are engaged in a tight battle with long-standing rivals Zamalek SC for the title.
The club is understood to have postponed all decisions relating to next season, including potential transfers and managerial appointments. This includes any plans to recruit a new striker, as well as identifying a successor to current head coach Jess Torup.
Such a strategy reflects the significance of the ongoing title race, with Al Ahly prioritising immediate competitive objectives over long-term squad restructuring.
Firmino’s Career Journey
Firmino remains one of the most recognisable attacking players of his generation, having enjoyed a highly successful spell at Liverpool FC. During his eight years at the club, he formed a key part of the attacking trio alongside Salah, with the pair sharing six seasons together.
Their partnership contributed to a period of sustained success, including triumphs in the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
The Brazilian moved to the Middle East in 2023, joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. During his time there, he helped the club secure the AFC Champions League title in 2025 before making a subsequent move to Qatari side Al Sadd SC last summer.
Transfer Plans on Hold
While Firmino’s profile and experience would represent a significant addition to any squad, Al Ahly appear determined to delay any recruitment decisions until the conclusion of the current campaign.
The club’s leadership is instead maintaining a narrow focus on the immediate objective of reclaiming domestic supremacy, with transfer activity and structural changes set to follow only once the season reaches its conclusion.
For now, any suggestion of a reunion between Firmino and Salah in Cairo remains speculative at best, with the club making clear that their ambitions are centred on present success rather than future reinforcements.
