Jordan Henderson: Staggering Liverpool deal agreed to end an era at Anfield but one hurdle still remains
Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has reportedly agreed a deal to join Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq this summer, although one potential stumbling block still remains.
The Reds skipper is said to have held talks with Jurgen Klopp on Thursday morning over the proposed switch and has now been given the green light to call time on his lengthy Anfield career.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Henderson has a contract agreed and a verbal agreement to join Steven Gerrard’s side in the Middle East, with reports earlier indicating he has been offered a whopping £700,000-a-week in wages on a three-year contract.
And with the England man now accepting those terms, all that now remains in for the two clubs to agree on a fee for a player who still has two years left on his contract.
Romano stated: “Deal now depends on Liverpool and Al Ettifaq discussing on the fee, no chance to let him leave for free.”
Liverpool are not thought to have received any offer from Al Ettifaq as yet, although reports from Merseyside claim that the Reds will want in the region of £20 million for their skipper.
Indeed, Paul Joyce wrote in The Times: “Liverpool would seek a fee in the region of £20 million should the player look to move on.”
Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy also said: “Liverpool would expect around double the £10m fee being reported […] given the two years left on his contract, his status as club captain and England international. Al Ahli’s £30m valuation of Riyad Mahrez would be a reference point.”
End of an era for Henderson and Liverpool
Henderson already has a place in Liverpool history as their most decorated captain, having lifted the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
He joined the Reds from Sunderland in 2011 for £16million, and has made 492 appearances for the club.
Henderson could also be followed out of Anfield by fellow midfielder Fabinho, following reports of a £40m offer from another club Saudi club in Al Ittihad.
If it then transpires that both players leave, Klopp is expected to then ramp up Liverpool’s interest in Southampton star Romeo Lavia.
