Jordan Henderson is reportedly closing in on a move to Saudi Arabia after Liverpool and Al Ettifaq agreed on a deal worth £12 million plus potential add-ons.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has given his renowned “Here We Go” on Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq. The well-known Italian journalist adds that the Saudi Pro League side have reached a full agreement with Liverpool for the transfer of their captain.
The two clubs have been locked in talks ever since Henderson expressed his desire to link up with former Reds captain Steven Gerrard at the Dammam-based outfit. The 33-year-old has reportedly agreed a deal worth a staggering £700,000 a week, but the move has been stalled over Liverpool’s demand for a transfer fee.
Despite Henderson having two years left on his current deal, Al-Ettifaq are said to have been trying to engineer a free transfer move for the midfielder, understanding Liverpool would be eager to offload his £190,000-per-week salary.
However, the Reds made it perfectly clear that they would not be willing to part company with their skipper for nothing. The 77-capped England international has been left out of Liverpool’s squad for Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against German side Karlsruher as talks intensify over a move to Saudi Arabia in the last few hours.
Liverpool will receive £12m plus add ons fee for Jordan Henderson from Al Ettifaq as deal has been agreed. 🔴🤝🏻 #LFC
Steven Gerrard already spoke to Hendo and medical tests will be booked once documents are exchanged between all parties. pic.twitter.com/7ACyvAQI5o
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 19, 2023
A compromise has ultimately been found, with Liverpool set to receive an initial £12 million for Henderson, with additional payments potentially being made through add-ons. The player will now be allowed to travel to Saudi Arabia to complete the formalities of a move.
Henderson joined Liverpool from Sunderland in June 2011 in a deal worth £20 million and has gone on to enjoy a trophy-laden career. He led Liverpool to every trophy possible at club level during his Anfield career, notably the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. Overall, he has played 491 times for the Reds, scoring 33 goals and notching 58 assists.
He made 43 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s men last season as they endured a hugely disappointing campaign as they finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on a spot in the Champions League.
Following the arrivals of both Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and former RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £95 million, his game time next season is expected to be significantly limited.
The Reds are also set to lose 29-year-old Fabinho to Al Ittihad in a £40 million deal, which essentially means they are overhauling their entire midfield in one window itself, having already let Naby Keita, James Milner, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain leave on free transfers earlier this summer.
Attention will now turn to more midfield reinforcements, with several midfielders linked with Liverpool this week, including Crystal Palace‘s Cheick Doucoure and Southampton‘s Romeo Lavia.
