Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq is in turmoil as England midfielder Jordan Henderson, who decided to go to the Middle East last summer, is planning a Saudi exodus after only six months in the country.
Ben Jacobs, an expert on the transfer market, relayed the fact that Al-Ettifaq has not yet received an offer, and it appears that if a loan move is to be accepted, the club wishing to acquire the player must cover 100% of his current salary.
He also touched on his plans for reinforcements for next season, saying that Liverpool defender Joel Matip and Aston Villa winger Bertrand Traore are two of the candidates.
Exclusive: Al-Ettifaq plan face-to-face talks with Jordan Henderson in Abu Dhabi next week and won’t be pressured into a sale.🗣️
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) January 9, 2024
– Steven Gerrard and Mark Allen to lead discussions on Sunday or Monday
– Henderson is self-representing after PLG did the deal to take him to Saudi
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The former Cameroonian defender is currently off the bench due to injury, but his current contract runs through June 2024.
He can leave the team on a free transfer and can already even talk to the club. The team is expected to try to make contact with them in the future, including Gerrard.
With Liverpool rumored to be in the market for a new center back, as he turns 33 this August, it is not clear if there will be a place for the player beyond next season.
However, his consistent performances are highly regarded, and a one-year contract extension is a possibility.
On the other hand, the Burkina Faso forward, who has been largely inactive at Aston Villa, will also be out of contract at the end of the season.
It is unlikely that his club will sign him to a new contract, and it would not be surprising if he chooses to challenge in the Saudi Professional League.
What kind of players will Al Ittefaq reinforce in order to compete for the top spots?