Liverpool Braced for Firm Offer from Al Ettifaq for Jordan Henderson
Liverpool are braced for a firm offer from Al Ettifaq for their captain Jordan Henderson, but the Reds are determined to resist any attempts to prise him away on the cheap. The 33-year-old midfielder is understood to be open to a move to Saudi Arabia, where he would link up with Anfield legend Steven Gerrard.
Al Ettifaq must now agree a fee with Liverpool if they are to realise their aim of bringing Henderson to Dammam this summer. Sources close to the Saudi club have suggested that their preference would be to strike a cut-price deal, with a free transfer even mooted. However, Liverpool are standing firm in negotiations and have no desire to give away their skipper.
Why Liverpool Are Standing Firm
Liverpool are standing firm in their negotiations for Henderson, who is still part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans for the new season. The Reds have little desire to give away their skipper, who is currently an England international with two years remaining on his current contract.
The Reds are also keen to get Henderson’s wages off the books as they continue a rebuild – Henderson earns a reported £190,000 per week, saving Liverpool almost £20 million over the remaining two years of his contract. Liverpool have privately cited Kalidou Koulibaly’s £20 million move from Chelsea to Al Hilal earlier this month as a potential benchmark in any negotiations.
Al Ettifaq’s Offer
Al Ettifaq are said to have offered to quadruple Henderson’s current deal should he make the move. The lofty sums they are reported to have offered Henderson will do little to strengthen their negotiating stance. It remains to be seen whether Al Ettifaq will meet Liverpool’s expectations and agree a fee for the midfielder.
Conclusion
Liverpool are braced for a firm offer from Al Ettifaq for their captain Jordan Henderson, but the Reds are determined to resist any attempts to prise him away on the cheap. Al Ettifaq must now agree a fee with Liverpool if they are to realise their aim of bringing Henderson to Dammam this summer. It remains to be seen whether Al Ettifaq will meet Liverpool’s expectations and agree a fee for the midfielder.