Jordan Henderson’s departure to fuel midfielder signing for Liverpool
By Evan Curnew
Liverpool could be set to lose their captain in what feels like a fantasy transfer. Jordan Henderson could be joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard. David Ornstein of The Athletic is reporting that Henderson is seriously considering the move, and it is now being tipped as likely to happen. Ornstein states that Henderson’s Liverpool salary would be tripled at Al-Ettifaq. The Daily Mail reports the exact amount is £700k per week. The move would make Henderson one of the highest-paid players in the world.
Al-Ettifaq is not one of the Saudi clubs recently taken over by the Public Investment Fund, but they clearly have a ridiculous amount of money available. It is an obvious point to make, but Henderson being managed by his former teammate, Steven Gerrard, indeed has made this transfer more likely.
It remains to be seen what fee Liverpool will demand for Jordan Henderson. Should he leave, it is believed that Liverpool will then step up their pursuit of Southampton’s Romeo Lavia. Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri is reporting such a claim and insists that personal terms between the player and club will not be a problem. Tavolieri explains that Liverpool will wait to see if Henderson leaves, and then an opening bid for Lavia will commence.
It is being widely reported that Southampton is holding out for £50M. While Liverpool may not pay that exact fee, it will still be a significant sum, and Henderson’s transfer fee could help pay for Lavia’s arrival at Anfield.
Having already signed Dominik Szboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, Romeo Lavia could complete a midfield transfer trifecta for Liverpool.
The Reds have recently kicked off pre-season but do not play their first match until next week. They take on 2. Bundesliga side Karlsruher SC at BBBank Wildpark on June 19th.