As per the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool and Al-Ettifaq have not reached a close agreement regarding the transfer of Jordan Henderson, as the key issue revolves around the transfer fee.
Although the Liverpool captain still has two years left on his contract at Anfield, he has expressed a desire to join Steven Gerrard in Saudi Arabia.
The article suggests that negotiations between the two clubs are ongoing, and the main obstacle to resolving the transfer is determining the appropriate transfer fee for Henderson’s move.
Liverpool have set a £20 million asking price, but Al-Ettifaq are reportedly finding it difficult to meet this valuation despite offering a substantial wage package.
Alongside Henderson, Fabinho is also rumoured to be considering a move to the Middle East, as Al-Ittihad has reportedly made a £40 million offer for the midfielder.
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Despite many fans being content with Henderson’s potential departure, it seems that Al-Ettifaq are unwilling to pay the desired transfer fee for the midfielder.
While personal terms have been agreed between Henderson and Al-Ettifaq, the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement regarding the transfer fee.
Henderson signed a new three-year contract in 2021, which sees him earning £190,000 per week. However, the Englishman is now ready to move on from his successful spell at Liverpool.
While the possibility of Henderson leaving exists, given that he still has two years remaining on his contract, it is not possible for him to depart without a transfer fee being involved.
Additionally, Fabinho, who is also the subject of transfer speculation this summer, is under contract until 2026. If he were to leave, it is estimated that a fee of around £40 million would be required.
Liverpool’s potential decision to sell Henderson raises questions about the adequacy of their midfield options. The same applies to Fabinho.
Unless Liverpool are confident in securing suitable replacements, allowing them to leave would be a questionable choice.
Relying solely on Thiago, given his injury history, to handle a significant number of games would be unwise. In such a scenario, Liverpool would require a minimum of three additional midfielders.
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Considering that Henderson is unlikely to command a substantial transfer fee, the club’s owners, FSG, would need to inject unexpected amounts of funds to find alternative signings.
Moreover, the potential need for another defender is not accounted for. All things considered, selling Henderson is a notably risky move, even if he is unlikely to replicate the 2,500 minutes he played last season should he remain at the club.
