Blow for Steven Gerrard as Liverpool star gives verdict on summer transfer to Saudi Pro League
According to reports, Liverpool and England midfielder Jordan Henderson is ‘reluctant’ to reunite with Steven Gerrard at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson has been an integral player for Liverpool over the years while Jurgen Klopp has been in charge as the club’s captain has helped them win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
But his position at Liverpool is in doubt heading into next season as Klopp is overseeing a squad overhaul. Major changes are being made in midfield as the Premier League giants have signed Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai from Brighton and RB Leipzig for large fees.
Klopp is looking for one more signing in midfield, with Southampton’s Romeo Lavia understood to be their main priority.
Henderson could be left down the pecking order if he stays at Liverpool and he is being linked with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq, who are now managed by ex-Aston Villa and Rangers boss Gerrard.
But The Daily Mail are reporting that ‘Gerrard faces disappointment in his bid to sign former Liverpool teammate Henderson for Al-Ettifaq’.
Henderson and Chelsea’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are two ‘top targets’ for Gerrard, while he has ‘spoken to’ Wilfried Zaha. The report adds.
‘Despite exploratory talks between intermediaries acting on behalf of Al-Ettifaq and Henderson, it’s understood that the 33-year-old England midfielder would be reluctant to join the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career.
‘Al-Ettifaq would also have to persuade Liverpool to let Henderson leave having already released James Milner, Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain this summer.
‘The Dammam-based club have made an offer to Aubameyang but there have been no talks yet with the 34-year-old striker who could become the latest Chelsea star to head to the Saudi league, following in the footsteps of N’Golo Kante, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.’
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Speaking back in May, Henderson indicated that he is “ready for the challenge” facing him at Liverpool.
“It’s always a challenge, especially at Liverpool, there will always be challenges for places and to play games,” Henderson told PA News Agency.
“That’s the case ever since I came to the club. Come pre-season I’ll be ready for the challenge again.
“Motivation never changes really, it is always about improving and being better, individually and as a team.
“Always new challenges come along, different things will happen and you will have new challenges throughout the season.
“There is always a challenge in football to improve, to be better and that motivation always stayed the same to be successful.”
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