Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is leaning towards accepting an offer from Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq.
Henderson is expected to make a decision imminently, with the England international considering the life-changing offer which would quadruple his Liverpool salary.
Steven Gerrard, Henderson’s former Liverpool team-mate, was appointed last week as Al Ettifaq’s new manager and has played a key role in driving the pursuit of the 33-year-old.
Henderson still has two years left on the four-year contract he signed in the summer of 2021, meaning a fee would need to be agreed between Liverpool and Al Ettifaq if the midfielder agrees to join the Saudi side.
Liverpool have not had any contact from clubs regarding a move for Henderson. If he gives his approval to the move, the clubs will immediately hold talks over a deal.
Henderson has been a leader off the pitch for Liverpool and England too, being one of the most vocal players in support of the LGBTQI+ community and fans. However, in Saudi Arabia, homosexuality is illegal.
Henderson joined Liverpool from Sunderland in 2011 and was appointed club captain after Gerrard’s departure in 2015. He has been a constant in the Liverpool side since his arrival, making 492 appearances in all competitions.
Henderson played 43 times for Liverpool last season, making 23 starts in the Premier League as Jurgen Klopp’s side finished fifth.
The Saudi Pro League has emerged as a destination for several European stars after the PIF takeover of Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli.
Cristiano Ronaldo joined Al Nassr back in December, with his former Real Madrid team-mate Karim Benzema making a shock move to Al Ittihad in early June.
Henderson’s former Liverpool team-mate signed for Al Ahli last week after his contract with the Premier League side expired.
Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy have all also moved to the Gulf state.
Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic signed for Al Hilal on Thursday, while The Athletic revealed that former Chelsea executive Michael Emenalo is to join as the Saudi Pro League’s first director of football.
I can understand if he feels his place is under threat. Dom and probably Elliot are ahead of him for the right 8. He could share the 6 with Fab this year or cover Trent. But maybe he either feels he should still start every week, or his football has dropped to much, exhausted to go again or just wants to cash in?
But so surprised cause I’d have thought (i) his morals (the LGBTQI+ work), (ii) how much he wants to win (Gerrard team is not going to be challenging for honours), (iii) it’ll likely impact his England place next summer.
Hope he stays and, if he really want to go, goes next summer.
It is really weird but at the end of the day he’s not going to be in a position to earn 700k a year for three years after this current LFC deal. Cashing in seems too appealing - what other reasons are there?
If that’s all it takes, LFC should counter with 800k per year.