A second source has confirmed Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is attracting transfer interest, with the latest update suggesting an exit is being considered.
Henderson who is 33 now, is the longest-serving player in the current Liverpool squad. He is one of the very few players who has been there even before Klopp’s arrival.
Other than homegrown talents like Trent, Joe Gomez is the only one signed before the German. The captain is one of the first names on the team sheet.
The Reds skipper has led by example since succeeding Steven Gerrard as captain back in 2015. However, multiple reports now state Gerrard could prise Henderson out of Anfield.
Second source confirming Henderson-Liverpool split
There had been a news source in The Daily Mail when they first spilled the beans of the Henderson-Saudi links.
They claimed that the newly appointed Al Ettifaq coach, Steven Gerrard showed interest in the Liverpool captain. The reports also claimed that the English international might be willing to leave.
With the signings of the dynamic Mac Allister and versatile Szoboszlai, there would be a limited amount of starts for Henderson.
However, the fans hadn’t given much ear as most of the stars of Europe are being linked to the Saudi clubs. But now there is another source claiming that the Saudi side are weighing up a move for Henderson.
The French news outlet, French outlet L’Equipe, declares the central midfielder to be on Al Ettifaq’s radar. Indeed, the publication state ‘the Englishman’s answer has not yet been revealed’.
Henderson has two more years to run on his Liverpool contract. As such, the idea of recouping a fee for a 33-year-old who is no longer a guaranteed starter could appeal to Liverpool.
Liverpool might be deprived of a leader
After the departure of Milner who had been a leader for Klopp’s side, it might be Henderson’s turn to leave now.
Milner and Henderson were known to be among the most influential voices in the Liverpool dressing room. Losing both at the same time would leave a huge hole at Anfield from a leadership and experience perspective.
One factor that could swap Henderson towards staying is his England ambitions. With Euro 2024 a year away, the tournament likely represents Henderson’s last chance of lifting silverware with his country.
Moving to lesser leagues like Saudi Arabia often comes with a stigma attached when international managers select their squads.
The far inferior level of competition is likely to see players overlooked when the time comes for their managers to make the final cut.
In any case, it remains unclear whether Henderson will leave Liverpool if Al Ettifaq act in their interest. But what is clear is the interest is definitely there.