Transfer Centre

Saudi Arabia-linked Jordan Henderson 'to decide Liverpool future in next 48 hours'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 12 July 2023

Saudi-linked Henderson 'to decide Liverpool future in next 48 hours'

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson will reportedly make a decision over his future at the club within the next 48 hours amid interest from Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq.

Following the surprise appointment of Reds legend Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, Henderson has recently emerged as a potential target for the Saudi Arabian club.

A recent report claims that the 33-year-old midfielder is reluctant to reunite with Gerrard and move to the Middle East at this stage of his career.

Henderson, who still has two years remaining on his contract at Anfield, is keen to continue playing at the highest level in order to keep his place in the England squad ahead of Euro 2024.

However, the Daily Mail reports that Henderson has now had second thoughts about a possible transfer to Saudi Arabia.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson on October 9, 2022 © Reuters

The report adds that Al-Ettifaq have tabled a two-year contract offer to Henderson worth £140,000 per week – a 50% pay rise from his current Liverpool salary – with the option of an additional 12-month extension based on performance-related targets.

It is understood that 'exploratory talks' have taken place between both parties and Gerrard's side intend to make a formal approach to Liverpool for Henderson before the weekend.

Henderson is believed to be tempted by the proposal and will make a final decision on his Liverpool future on either Thursday or Friday of this week.

Liverpool's No.14 moved to Anfield from boyhood club Sunderland back in 2011 and played alongside Gerrard for three-and-a-half seasons before the latter ended his legendary spell on Merseyside to join Los Angeles Galaxy in January 2015.

Henderson, who has been the captain of the Reds since Gerrard's departure, has enjoyed a successful 12-year career at Anfield and has won eight trophies in total including the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Jordan Henderson in action for Liverpool on October 4, 2022 © Reuters

The 77-cap England international has made a total of 492 appearances for Liverpool across all tournaments, scoring 33 goals and providing 61 assists, and manager Jurgen Klopp still regards the midfielder as an important first-team player.

Henderson could become the first English player to play in the Saudi Pro League should he agree to join Al-Ettifaq, and could follow in the footsteps of former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino – now at Al-Ahli – in swapping Anfield for the Middle East.

Liverpool have already parted ways with three midfielders in the form of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita this summer, but they have since forked out close to £100m to recruit Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

Henderson is not the only Liverpool player to have been linked with a summer switch to Saudi Arabia, as Thiago Alcantara has reportedly turned down a lucrative offer to join an unnamed Saudi Pro League club.