LIVERPOOL
Jordan Henderson nears Saudi transfer: who are Al Ettifaq?
The Liverpool captain has lifted every trophy with the Merseyside club but is now considering a move to the Saudi Pro League.
Jordan Henderson is reportedly close to a move to Al Ettifaq of the Saudi Pro League.
The 33-year-old midfielder has worn the captain’s armband since 2015 and has been a key part of the success under Jurgen Klopp. However his performances, along with most of the squad’s, dropped off in 2022/23 and Liverpool are looking to refresh their midfield.
Already this summer the club have spent close to £100 million to bring in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
The Athletic report that Henderson could quadruple his Liverpool salary in Saudi Arabia.
Who are Al Ettifaq, the club close to a Henderson deal?
Last month the Saudi ministry of sport announced that the nation’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) would be taking control of four Saudi Pro League teams.
As a result of that investment, Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, Al Hilal and Al Nassr have received huge amounts of additional funding to help bring stars to the league. Already this summer the likes of Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, N’Golo Kante and Roberto Firmino have made the Saudi switch, following in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo.
But Henderson appears to be close to a deal to sign for one of the other SPL sides, Al Ettifaq. They may not have the institutional links but Al Ettifaq are another well-established side in the Saudi top flight.
Last season they finished seventh in the 16-team league, 35 points off the top.
Henderson could link up with Gerrard in Saudi Pro League
Al Ettifaq have been ambitious with their business this summer and the club announced Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as the new head coach earlier this month.
Henderson, who replaced Gerrard as Liverpool captain, could soon meet up with his former teammate and there is already a strong bond between the two.
“Obviously being an England fan I’m following England and Jordan [Henderson] from a personal point of view. I think he’s been immaculate, both on and off the pitch,” Gerrard told the Liverpool FC website during last year’s World Cup.
“Being a midfielder, being around Jordan on the daily basis, to see the sacrifices, his dedication and what he puts into his own preparation, the hard work that he puts in, I’m not surprised that he’s putting in this level of performance and I’m delighted for him.”
Henderson has not yet formally accepted the offer from Al Ettifaq but he is expected to make a decision in the coming days. After eight years at Anfield, it looks like his time on Merseyside may be coming to an end.