Crystal Palace are now showing interest in a deal to sign Roberto Firmino from Al-Ahli.
That is according to Graeme Bailey of HITC Football.
So, what is the situation involving Roberto Firmino and Crystal Palace? Let’s take a look…
Crystal Palace monitoring Roberto Firmino
Well – according to HITC Football – Selhurst Park is a possible destination for the Brazil international.
Firmino has found life tough in the Saudi Pro League following his move to Al-Ahli on a free transfer back in July, after his contract with Liverpool expired.
The South American has scored just three goals in 19 appearances for the Saudi Arabian outfit so far this season.
Now, a number of Premier League sides are considering a deal to bring Firmino back to England, with West Ham and Fulham also showing interest alongside Crystal Palace.
The 32-year-old made a name for himself as one of the best forwards in Europe during his time at Liverpool, scoring 82 goals in 256 Premier League appearances, winning the title in 2020.
Crystal Palace will surely struggle to finance deal
In our view, a move for Firmino is unlikely to happen after Steve Parish admitted Crystal Palace will mainly be focusing on loan deals in January.
That suggests our transfer budget is not exactly huge this month, so the Brazilian’s £315,161-a-week wages will surely prove problematic, even if a loan move can be agreed with Al-Ahli.
If Firmino agrees to take a significant pay cut, then perhaps a deal could materialise, although we can’t see Al-Ahli agreeing to a loan exit having only recently signed the man from Maceió.
One striker who seems a more realistic option for Dougie Freedman – Director of Football at Selhurst Park – is PSG No.44 Hugo Ekitike, who is on the market.
Arsenal No.14 Eddie Nketiah is also of interest to Crystal Palace.
Be sure to keep an eye on transfer developments at Selhurst Park, as movement is already taking place – negotiations are ongoing over a deal to sign Peterborough No.4 Ronnie Edwards.
