12 July 2023 , 23:27
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Jordan Henderson will hold talks with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp within the next 24 hours after being offered a mammoth salary to move to the Saudi Pro League by a team who have not won the title for 36 years.
Henderson has spent more than a decade at Anfield, taking over as the Reds' captain eight years ago. As skipper, he has lifted the Premier League title, the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League.
But his time at the club now looks set to come to an end after Saudi Arabian bosses singled him out as their next statement signing. The Saudi Pro League has been on a massive spending spree as they attempt to make their country a destination for top stars.
Henderson is the latest to be eyed for a mega-money move to the Middle East. Al-Ettifaq, who finished seventh last season and have not won the title since 1987, are the team interested.
Jordan Henderson has been offered a mega-salary to move to the Saudi Pro League (Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)According to the Daily Mail, Henderson has been offered an eye-watering wage of £700,000 per week by the Knights of Ad-Dahna. That would quadruple his current salary, with Liverpool paying him around £190,000 per week.
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Ettifaq are said to be desperate to sign him to make him their statement player, given their 36-year run without a trophy. Henderson has been aware of their interest for more than a fortnight.
The 33-year-old will now hold talks with Klopp over the next 24 hours to determine what the future may hold at Anfield. At the heart of his decision will be the role Klopp is willing to give him next season.
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Henderson has been Liverpool's captain for eight yearsIt is not certain he will be a regular starter for the Reds, given the summer signings of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Sbozoszlai. The appeal of working under Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, manager of Ettifaq, may tempt Henderson to move.
But a potential move may stall over a transfer fee, with Liverpool set to demand a significant fee for their captain. Ettifaq may be reluctant to pay their asking price, though according to The Athletic, Henderson is 'leaning towards' accepting their offer.
A decision is expected 'imminently', with Gerrard having played a key role in the pursuit. The Reds are yet to have any contact from Ettifaq over a move, though talks are expected to be held quickly if Henderson demands an exit.
The England international featured 43 times for Liverpool last term, making 23 Premier League starts. His departure would not just mean he will be missed on the pitch though, by either Liverpool or top-flight chiefs.
Henderson has also been outspoken on social issues and has been one of the biggest backers of the Rainbow Laces campaign among players. The midfielder has frequently given his support to the LGBT+ community.