Premier League transfer for West Ham United-linked striker Roberto Firmino now on cards – Ben Jacobs
West Ham United-linked striker Roberto Firmino could be set for a Premier League loan move in the January window, according to Ben Jacobs.
Writing on his personal Twitter account (5 January), the former CBS journalist shared that Saudi outfit Al-Ahli haven’t received any offers for Firmino’s services as of yet but a move back to the English top-flight is “now possible”.
HITC reported on its website on Thursday (4 January) that the Hammers are one of a number of English clubs eager to sign the 31-year-old if he were to be made available only six months after joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahil.
According to Jacobs, Firmino is now exploring his options ahead of a possible move but still remains a part of the club’s long-term plans although a transfer to another Saudi Arabian club is unlikely.
He posted: “My understanding on Bobby Firmino is that Al-Ahli haven’t yet received any formal offers, but a loan to a Premier League club is now possible. Some informal approaches have been made from intermediaries.
“Al-Ahli are open to a loan but do still view Firmino as part of their longer-term plans.
“Firmino is exploring options to get more game time. But it is now unlikely he’ll be loaned within Saudi Arabia despite the option being explored to keep him within the Saudi Pro League.”
Wages issue
West Ham need forward options during the January transfer window and while Firmino is by no means the prolific centre-forward most supporters would have hoped for, he still represents a brilliant and quality stop-gap.
Irons must certainly be thinking that right now anything possible transfer will be better than Michail Antonio and Danny Ings right now and Firmino is an opportunity that could well be explored for the remainder of the campaign.
The Brazilian forward represents a low-risk addition as he already holds great knowledge of the Premier League, holds bags of experience and a winning mentality and can certainly aid West Ham United’s quest for further glory this season.
The Brazilian won everything there was to win during his time at Anfield with Liverpool and was part of one of the most dangerous front threes that the division has ever seen. He may be well into his 30s right now but he still has plenty to offer.
However, there will be issues regarding his fitness and wages. The Hammers aren’t in the best financial position to splash the cash this month and if a loan deal were to happen, Al-Ahli will certainly have to pay the baulk of his wage package.
It remains to be seen whether this develops any further than just reported interest over the course of the next month, but there is a chance that Firmino could go a long way to solving Moyes’ striker problem at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham United news, Kurt Zouma has sent a seven-word message after a London Stadium transfer announcement.