Jordan Henderson is reportedly on his way out of Liverpool and is set to be reunited with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League.
Fabrizio Romano has reported that Liverpool and Al Ettifaq have reached an agreement in principle on the transfer fee for the Englishman. The fee is said to be around £12 million plus add-ons.
The Liverpool captain had already agreed a three-year deal last week and is now going to officially sign the documents after the clubs have agreed on the terms on Wednesday.
He will then travel to Saudi Arabia and be unveiled as the latest big acquisition for the Saudi Pro League. His new salary is rumoured to be £700,000/week.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp refused to comment on the transfer saying: “There will be a moment where we probably have to talk about it, but it’s not now.”
The move comes as a surprise to many in Liverpool who did not predict the club captain to be leaving this summer.
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The 33-year-old apparently had other plans though as he has chosen to move to Saudi Arabia amid the possibility of losing his place in the first team. Liverpool’s midfield revolution could have seen the ageing veteran only play a sporadic role for the team next season.
The legend is a fan favourite and many expected him to evolve into a squad player at the club while remaining the leader of the dressing room in this final stage of his career.
The Englishman was initially reportedly reluctant to relocate to Saudi Arabia but Al Ettifaq’s lucrative offer has made him reconsider their proposal. They are also managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who undoubtedly played a huge role in convincing Henderson.
The player also held talks with Jurgen Klopp over his future at Liverpool before deciding to make his final decision.
He has now decided to end his 12-year stay in Merseyside which saw him lead his team to triumphs in the Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Super Cup. He also led Liverpool to their first Premier League title in 30 years in the 2019/20 season.
Romano has also reported that Fabinho is set to leave Liverpool as well in favour of a move to Saudi League club Al Ittihad. The Brazilian has already agreed personal terms with the club and Liverpool are in contact with them to finalise a deal.
Liverpool will have to conduct more business in the midfield now if Henderson and Fabinho also leave. They have already acquired Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai and have been linked with many other young midfielders in Europe.
