Roberto Firmino is one of several high-profile free agents being targeted by the Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund PIF as part of a major revamp of the Saudi Pro League. The PIF has taken a 75 percent stake in Al-Nassr, champions Al-Ittihad, Asian Champions League finalists Al Hilal and Al-Ahli, and expanded the league to 18 teams, with each club permitted to field up to eight foreign players. Four other clubs – Qadsia SC, Al-Diriyah Club, Al-Ula and Al-Suqoor FC – are now also owned by state-funded companies. Karim Benzema is joining Al-Ittihad on a two-year deal worth €200 million, while the Guardian reports that Al Hilal have offered Lionel Messi more than £350 million a year. AFP reports that Firmino is among the other names being lined up for big-money offers to join the Saudi Pro League, along with Sergio Ramos, N’Golo Kante, Luka Modric, Hugo Lloris, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. These changes are part of the PIF’s expansion into global sport, with a bid for the 2030 World Cup mooted, and their plans involve acquiring more high-profile players. For Firmino, it could serve as a highly lucrative venture at a point in which he may be considering the final stages of his career. He has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia before, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg – a source close to the player – reporting interest back in January. Accusations of sportswashing, given Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, views on homosexuality and its treatment of women – among many other concerns – will be unavoidable.
plotFirmino Targeted in Saudi Takeover Plot
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