Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has reportedly verbally agreed to join Saudi side Al Ettifaq this summer. The midfielder is expected to quadruple his wages by heading to the Middle East, leaving Jurgen Klopp to find a new skipper and ponder where his dressing room leadership will come from next season. Despite that, however, the German has approved of the departure.
After a disappointing campaign that saw the Reds rally late on to secure Europa League football last season, Klopp made it no secret that he needed to shake up his midfield ranks this summer. As a result, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita were all allowed to leave as free agents to create space in the squad.
Alexis Mac Allister was acquired from Brighton upon the transfer window opening, with the Reds also activating the £60million release clause in Dominik Szoboszlai’s contract to bring him in from RB Leipzig. Further reinforcements were also expected in midfield and are now poised to become a priority at Anfield once again.
Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq recently registered an interest in signing Reds captain Henderson, and he has now approved of the move. According to Fabrizio Romano, the England international has accepted the Saudi’s contract proposal and a ‘verbal agreement in principle’ has been reached.
Henderson is said to have informed Klopp of his decision on Thursday and the German manager has approved of his exit and provided the ‘green light’. It is now down to Al Ettifaq to negotiate a fee with Liverpool for the 33-year-old, with the player having two years left on his current deal at Anfield.
The Saudi side were hopeful of poaching Henderson from Merseyside on a free transfer, though that idea was soon squashed and a fee of at least £15million will be required for the ex-Sunderland star to become the next Premier League star to head to the Middle East.
Fabinho is also the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al Ittihad reportedly preparing an offer in the region of £40m for his services. There has been no indication yet as to whether the Brazil international is looking to leave the club in favour of linking up with the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
It remains to be seen how Liverpool react to a double exit in midfield and if they push vigorously to replace both players. Southampton star Romeo Lavia is high on the shortlist of targets at Anfield, whilst French duo Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram are also both admired.
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