Damaging Liverpool update as top star reaches ‘agreement’ to follow Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabia, with talks now ‘advanced’
Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Fabinho pictured during Liverpool training
Jordan Henderson is not the only Liverpool player who might swap Anfield for a Saudi Arabian club this summer, with Al Ittihad getting closer to signing Fabinho.
Al Ettifaq are trying to capture Liverpool captain Henderson, in a move which would reunite him with former Reds team-mate Steven Gerrard. Initially, it was unclear whether Al Ettifaq would be successful as Henderson has two years left on his Liverpool contract.
But the Englishman has now agreed a three-year deal with his prospective new side. It is worth an astonishing £700,000 per week.
And Jurgen Klopp will be left incredibly frustrated if Fabinho follows Henderson to the Middle East. On Thursday, The Athletic revealed Fabinho to be on Al Ittihad’s wanted list.
Al Ittihad, who have already signed big names such as Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante this summer, are preparing to submit a £40million offer for Fabinho.
On Twitter, Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on the Brazilian’s situation. He reveals Fabinho will not travel with Liverpool for their pre-season tour of Germany as a switch to Saudi Arabia is gaining momentum.
Talks between Al Ittihad and Liverpool are now ‘advanced’. And, in a major blow for Klopp, the 29-year-old has reached an ‘agreement’ over personal terms with Al Ittihad.
Fabinho to miss Liverpool pre-season tour, but Henderson will join it
Interestingly, Fabinho could end up leaving Liverpool before Henderson. In his update, Romano reveals Henderson will go on Liverpool’s pre-season tour. While he has agreed personal terms with Al Ettifaq, the two clubs are not yet close to sorting out a deal.
Having let James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita leave on free transfers, the potential departures of Fabinho and Henderson could have a bad impact on Liverpool.
The Reds have brought in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while they are also interested in Romeo Lavia of Southampton. But Lavia does not have anywhere near as much experience as Fabinho, which could result in the Liverpool midfield struggling slightly next term.
Admittedly, Fabinho did have a poor campaign in 2022-23. But as he is 29, this is more likely to be a one-off rather than a serious decline.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher recently gave his verdict on Henderson potentially going to Saudi Arabia. On Twitter, he wrote: ‘The money is difficult to turn down hence why virtually no one has, a great servant & player for Liverpool.
‘He will get criticism because he got a lot of praise for his stance on LGBTQ+ in the past.
‘Not a player in his prime but again a big statement to get the Liverpool captain to the Saudi league. A good deal for Liverpool also.’
