Jordan Henderson is considering ending his 12-year Liverpool career and accepting a lucrative offer from Steven Gerrard’s new club in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ettifaq.
The club are making a determined effort to sign the Liverpool captain, who was initially reluctant to leave Anfield and relocate to the Middle East with his family. The 33-year-old, however, is now considering an offer of a two-year contract that would double his £200,000-a-week Liverpool wage and also includes the option of a third year.
Liverpool have not received a formal bid from the Saudi Arabian club but one is expected, possibly within days, should Henderson indicate he is receptive to the shock transfer. The midfielder is likely to hold talks with Jürgen Klopp this week over his prospects of featuring regularly for Liverpool next season, the outcome of which may also shape the long-serving captain’s decision.
Henderson made 43 appearances for Liverpool last season and has two years remaining on his contract. He remains an invaluable leader on and off the pitch for Klopp, who has seen former vice-captain James Milner depart for Brighton this summer. Naby Keïta and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have also exited on free transfers.
The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, for £35m and £60m respectively, will intensify competition for places in Liverpool’s midfield and Klopp currently has nine midfielders at his disposal. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s successful switch to a hybrid midfield role towards the end of last season, plus the impressive development of Curtis Jones and Stefan Bajcetic, has also enhanced Liverpool’s options.
Like Henderson, Thiago Alcântara is also attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League. Klopp retains an interest in Southampton’s defensive midfielder Roméo Lavia, the 19-year-old who is valued at £50m by the relegated club.
Another consideration for Henderson is the impact a move to Saudi Arabia would have on his England career. The midfielder played an influential role for Gareth Southgate at the 2022 World Cup and may be reluctant to jeopardise his international place before next summer’s European Championships in Germany.
