A second source has confirmed Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is attracting transfer interest, with the latest update suggesting an exit is being considered.
Henderson, 33, has been at Liverpool the longest and is one of just a handful of players who played before Jurgen Klopp took over. Joe Gomez is the only other player signed by a manager other than Klopp, excluding homegrown players like Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Since taking over for Steven Gerrard as captain back in 2015, the Reds captain has led by example. Gerrard, according to numerous sources, may force Henderson out of Anfield.
Indeed, the Daily Mail was the first to report that Henderson is being evaluated by the Saudi Arabian team Al Ettifaq. Henderson is one of the Premier League players who Gerrard is courting since he was just named Al Eiitfaq’s manager.
Given that he did not start as much as he is used to last season, The Mail suggested that Henderson would be open to leaving. Henderson’s playing time will also get less and less since Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, and a third midfielder are on the way.
The Henderson to Saudi claims have now gained more support from a second source. According to the French publication L’Equipe, Al Ettifaq is keeping an eye on the central midfielder. Additionally, they seem to imply that an exit is being thought about.
The publication does indeed mention that “the Englishman’s response has not yet been revealed.” If the answer was a clear no, logic would require that he would already be aware of his rejection.
Henderson’s Liverpool deal has two more years left on it. As a result, Liverpool may find it appealing to recover a sum for a 33-year-old player who is no longer a surefire starter.
If Henderson and Milner both left, there would be a leadership hole.
However, with James Milner joining Brighton as a free agent, the Reds have already lost one of their most important leaders this summer.
He and Henderson were regarded as two of the most important players in the Liverpool locker room. A massive leadership and experience gap would be left at Anfield if both were to leave at once.
Henderson’s desire to represent England is one element that might convince him to stay.
Henderson continues to be Gareth Southgate’s trusted lieutenant despite the rise of Jude Bellingham.
With Euro 2024 just a year away, the competition is probably Henderson’s final opportunity to win a trophy for his nation.
When foreign managers choose their squads, moving to lower divisions like Saudi Arabia frequently carries a stigma. Players are likely to be passed over when it comes time for their managers to make the final selection due to the significantly lower level of competition.
Henderson might still leave Liverpool, though, should Al Ettifaq move in their favour. However, it is obvious that there is curiosity.