Jordan Henderson, the long-serving Liverpool captain, is going to undergo a medical examination on Saturday as he prepares to bring an end to his 12-year tenure at Anfield. The midfielder is going to make a significant move to Al-Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard. With reports suggesting he will be getting a lucrative salary of £700,000 per week.
The decision to move to Saudi Arabia has been met with criticism. Especially considering Henderson’s vocal support for the LGBT+ community. Some perceive this move as a compromise of his principles, leading to a backlash from certain quarters.
Nevertheless, henderson has agreed to the transfer and Al-Ettifaq will pay Liverpool a fee of £12 million for the 33-year-old’s services. Despite a reported last-minute plea from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp to stay, Henderson has chosen to explore new horizons.
The arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in the midfield has signaled an ambitious summer rebuild for Liverpool. Henderson concerned about a potential reduction in playing time, prompting him to consider this move. Rather than just going after money by financial considerations.
While other players linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, such as Fabinho, were not included in the pre-season training camp. Henderson traveled with the team to Germany. However, after Liverpool and Al-Ettifaq reached an agreement on financial terms. The midfielder has permission to undergo medical tests in London.
Saudi media outlet Al-Riyadiah reported that Henderson will undergo the necessary medical examinations at a specialized center on Saturday.
Liverpool looking for Henderson Replacement
Jurgen Klopp has been quiet about the situation. Stating that any decisions regarding player movements are ultimately his responsibility and usually made with the players’ consent. He has refrained from providing further details until everything is final.
With Henderson’s departure imminent, Klopp has reportedly compiled a shortlist of nine midfield targets to bolster Liverpool’s ranks. Players like Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure, Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat, and Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips are among those rumored to be on Liverpool’s radar.
While Liverpool prepares for a transition in their midfield. Saudi Arabian clubs have also expressed interest in Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara and Luis Diaz. Suggesting that past events may have influenced their transfer pursuits.
As the transfer window progresses, fans and pundits will closely monitor Liverpool’s midfield rebuild and the impact it will have on the team’s performance in the upcoming season.
