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Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been offered a lucrative deal to move to Saudi Arabia, while the league have chosen not to sign Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric. Here’s why.
Henderson has reportedly accepted a huge contract offer from Al-Ettifaq, after holding talks with Jurgen Klopp on Thursday.
The deal is dependent on whether the Saudi Pro League side, who are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, are prepared to meet Liverpool’s asking price for the 33-year-old.
While Al-Ettifaq were reportedly hoping to sign Henderson on a free transfer, the Athletic claim Liverpool are demanding £20million, having used Kalidou Koulibaly's move to Al-Hilal three weeks ago as a reference point.
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Should Henderson depart he would be ending a 12-year stay at Anfield to earn more than £700,000 per week at Al-Ettifaq. That figure is four times his Liverpool wage, which is thought to be worth in the region of £190,000 per week.
Why Henderson? Why not Modric?
According to the New York Times, the Saudi Pro League is looking to sign players that are prepared to commit several years of their career there.
The publication claimed Al Hilal, one of the four clubs set to be taken over by the country’s Public Investment Fund, elected against signing Modric when it became clear he would only consider a one-year deal.
Indeed, most of the contracts being offered run for three years, ensuring that players who sign will be playing in the Saudi Pro League in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup.
Henderson has verbally agreed to a lucrative three-year contract with Al-Ettifaq, meaning he would be in Saudi club colours until 2026.
Whether a deal will be agreed is uncertain, given the Athletic claim Gerrard’s men have yet to officially open talks with Liverpool.
Henderson still has two years remaining on his current contract and remains part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans ahead of the new campaign.
Topics: Football, Transfers, Premier League, Liverpool, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Luka Modric
Chris Byfield