Steven Gerrard Reunited with Jordan Henderson in Saudi Arabia?
Steven Gerrard’s appointment as manager of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq has already sparked claims of interest in his former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. The 33-year-old is nearing the twilight of his own career and could be tempted by the riches on offer in the Middle East.
Steven Gerrard’s Unexpected Move to Saudi Arabia
After eight years since leaving Liverpool, Steven Gerrard has finally accepted the job of manager at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. This comes after the former Reds captain initially insisting he would turn down the position. Gerrard’s appointment has already sparked claims of interest in his former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson.
Jordan Henderson: Liverpool’s Captain and Potential Al-Ettifaq Signing
It is now eight years since Gerrard left Liverpool and Henderson took on the captaincy on a full-time basis, going on to lift every trophy possible. That is according to the Mail, who perhaps unsurprisingly claim that Henderson is being considered as a potential first signing for Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq.
The Mail‘s Chris Wheeler claims that, with the Liverpool legend now in place, the club have identified Henderson as “one of the possible signings” to join his squad. Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is also named as a player of interest, while “initial discussions” have taken place with Alvaro Morata. Neither Sadio Mane or Philippe Coutinho are expected to head to Saudi Arabia.
The Riches of Saudi Arabia
It is noted that Henderson still has two years remaining on his contract at Anfield, and therefore it “remains to be seen if he could be tempted by the riches on offer.” That would, of course, be the carrot for any player heading to the Middle East, with lucrative contracts available following a takeover by the royal family’s Public Investment Fund.
Karim Benzema is claimed to be earning £172 million per year, or £3.3 million a week, at Al-Ittihad, while perhaps more realistically for Henderson, Wilfried Zaha was offered £30 million per year, or £578,000 a week, at Al-Nassr. The conundrum for Liverpool’s No. 14 would more likely be whether he feels he should instead stay in Europe and still compete at the highest level.
Liverpool’s Response to Potential Transfer
There is no guarantee the club would allow him to leave, either, though there is a sense that, with James Milner and possibly Thiago departing, those in the hierarchy will overrule Jurgen Klopp if necessary. Ultimately, it is unclear whether this report should even be trusted at this stage, as it seems almost too convenient for Henderson to be linked so soon after Gerrard’s appointment.
Conclusion
Steven Gerrard’s move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq has already sparked claims of interest in his former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. The 33-year-old is nearing the twilight of his own career and could be tempted by the riches on offer in the Middle East. With lucrative contracts available following a takeover by the royal family’s Public Investment Fund, it remains to be seen if Henderson could be tempted by the riches on offer. Ultimately, it is unclear whether this report should even be trusted at this stage, as it seems almost too convenient for Henderson to be linked so soon after Gerrard’s appointment.