According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Roberto Firmino is the subject of interest from Real Madrid. Xabi Alonso is driving the Spanish club’s interest in the former Liverpool striker, with the newly appointed manager keen on reinforcing his offensive unit in the summer transfer window by signing a versatile centre-forward.
So, the Al-Ahli captain has emerged as a target for Real Madrid, with Alonso insisting he is the ideal profile to lead the line for his team in the 2025/26 season. Ante Budimir is also a target for Los Blancos, but the former Liverpool striker may become the favourite to bolster the first-team squad in the summer transfer window.
Roberto Firmino was among the most underrated players in the world during his spell with Liverpool, which saw him win almost every trophy, including the then-elusive Premier League crown. The 33-year-old has been highly productive since leaving Liverpool as a free agent to join Al-Ahli two years ago.
The Brazilian striker has enjoyed another productive campaign, contributing to 22 goals in 31 appearances across all competitions by finding the back of the net 12 times and providing ten assists. However, Firmino may not have a future at Al-Ahli after dropping in the pecking order. That may not be an issue amid his emerging links with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid’s interest in Roberto Firmino is somewhat perplexing. The Merengues are scouring the market for a versatile striker heading into the summer transfer window, as Xabi Alonso is keen on adding a centre-forward to his squad. So, several candidates, including Ante Budimir, have emerged on Real Madrid’s radar.
However, Firmino is also a viable target despite his advancing age. Considering Joselu’s impact a few seasons ago, Firmino can be the perfect short-term solution, with the former Liverpool striker’s quality making him the ideal foil to Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
The 33-year-old Brazilian attacker can potentially strike a partnership similar to the one he had with Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane during his spell with Liverpool. So, it will be interesting to see if Firmino returns to Europe this summer by joining Real Madrid.