Jordan Henderson was absent when Liverpool defeated Karlsruher 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on Wednesday. This is because the England midfielder is nearing a transfer to the Saudi Arabian team Al-Ettifaq.
Liverpool has reportedly agreed to a deal worth £12 million ($15.5 million) for their Premier League and Champions League-winning captain.
If the move goes through, Henderson will be reunited with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who is now the manager of the Saudi Pro League team.
This potential signing highlights the increasing appeal of Saudi football, as the country aims to attract top players from Europe’s major leagues. Players like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have already moved there during the offseason, and Riyad Mahrez is also expected to join Al-Ahli after Manchester City agreed to a deal worth up to £30 million ($38.7 million) for the winger.
Several other Liverpool players are also linked with moves to Saudi Arabia, including Roberto Firmino and Fabinho.
Henderson achieved remarkable success with Liverpool, winning every major club honor, including the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title the following year. His departure could be influenced by manager Jurgen Klopp’s midfield changes during this offseason.
Liverpool has signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in the transfer window and is likely to add another midfielder before the new season begins. The club is revamping its midfield following a disappointing campaign last season, which resulted in them missing out on the Champions League for the first time in seven years and failing to win any trophies.
Players like James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have already left the club, while Thiago Alcantara’s future is uncertain, with the veteran Spain international also being linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia.