Vinícius Júnior 'made Liverpool transfer plea' but was ignored by Real Madrid chiefs

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior wanted his side to snap up a departing Liverpool legend last summer, it has been claimed. But instead, Roberto Firmino left Anfield and moved to the Saudi Pro League as his plea fell on deaf ears.

Brazilian reporter Julio Gomes Filho, who works for UOL Esporte, claimed on The Transfers Podcast that Vinícius requested Real Madrid made a move for Firmino who was available on a free transfer. But while the Spanish side considered it, no offer was put forward in the end and another option in the striking department was signed instead.

"Last year, last summer, Vinícius asked the club to sign Bobby Firmino from Liverpool on free agency," Filho said. "The club understood it would be a good move, but eventually they didn’t sign him and went for Joselu because they were at their limits with Brazilians. Three or four you have to have, but five or six is too many; that’s a story someone inside Real Madrid told me."

READ MORE: Liverpool ace valued above Declan Rice and Rodri as Arne Slot handed reminder of his talent
READ MORE: Jürgen Klopp drops biggest hint yet about future after Liverpool as one option definitely ruled out

Instead, Firmino moved to the Saudi Pro League where he represents Al-Ahli. In 32 league appearances so far, the Brazilian forward has scored nine times and laid on six assists. He has been a regular captain of the team and netted the only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Al Fayha in his previous match.

Al Ahli has finished third in the Saudi top flight this season, 31 points behind the winner, Al Hilal, which is where Neymar plays. It came three places above Al Ettifaq, which is the team that Steven Gerrard manages and who Gini Wijnaldum represents.

Liverpool.com says: It would have been a major surprise had Firmino ended up at Real Madrid given his injury record. During his final couple of years at Anfield, the Brazilian was limited in his game time and he would have been on big wages. At the same time, the move to Saudi Arabia was perhaps also a surprising one given there were surely offers on the table to remain in a more competitive environment, but he wasn't the only one tempted to cash in.

It will be interesting to see how the Saudi Pro League approaches this summer's transfer market. While the money is still there and ready to be splashed, it might not be quite so easy to convince players that it is the right league to move to. In the last few months, the low standard and lack of intensity have been the main takeaway rather than any suggestion its appeal has substantially grown.