Liverpool defender Sepp van den Berg close to making Mainz switch as Jordan Henderson nears Al Ettifaq transfer
As confirmed by the reliable Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson has verbally agreed to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq this summer.
The 33-year-old is past his best and is currently far from a key cog on the field for the Reds. While his ability on the pitch will have regressed, there is little question about his ability as a leader. With a rebuild happening, Jurgen Klopp could do with at least some of his senior stars staying put to pass on the torch.
The German has already talked to his skipper and has sanctioned his exit. The onus now shifts to the negotiations between the two clubs. Henderson has two years left on his current deal and the Reds are in no mood to let him leave on a free.
🚨 BREAKING: Jordan Henderson has accepted Al Ettifaq proposal. There’s verbal agreement in principle. Contract agreed.
Deal now depends on Liverpool and Al Ettifaq discussing on the fee, no chance to let him leave for free 🇸🇦
Hendo spoke to Klopp today and there’s green light. pic.twitter.com/wJ2CyaHu60
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 13, 2023
With the player now keen, the ball is in Al Ettifaq’s court to make the Reds an offer they cannot refuse. With another midfielder now on his way out, Klopp and Jorg Schmadtke will have to go ahead with their midfield rebuild at full steam.
It is not just the veteran who is now close to exiting Anfield. Promising young defender Sepp van den Berg is also on his way out with FSV Mainz the likely destination. The Dutchman is attracting attention from several Bundesliga clubs but with Mainz boss Christian Heidel pushing, a move to the MEWA Arena looks likely.
Despite being at Liverpool since 2020, the 21-year-old has made just four appearances for the Reds. He has impressed in the Bundesliga and could yet resurrect his career. Liverpool will sooner or later need to address their roster at centre-back with Ibrahima Konate the lone long-term option at the club.
❗️X News Sepp van den Berg: Spotted in Frankfurt in the last minutes. The player arrived today from Liverpool. 🛬
➡️ He has the permission to negotiate
➡️ @1FSVMainz05, pole position now!
But two more clubs from Germany are interested.
Mainz boss Heidel wants to finalize… pic.twitter.com/gdj1pEm6lA
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 13, 2023
Van den Berg is still rough around the edges but could enhance his reputation by adding consistency and authority to his game. As things stand, both a loan and a permanent deal are both on the table. Which of the two Liverpool chooses to negotiate for should give a clear idea of just where the youngster’s future lies.
It is a summer of revamp on Merseyside and Jurgen Klopp will be keen to replace the players who are on their way out. The German could very well be putting into place the pieces of his second great Liverpool side. After all, out with the old, in with the new was long overdue at Anfield.
