Rival clubs starting to become worried after seeing what’s developing at Liverpool.

Clubs across Europe are starting to get worried about the pull of Saudi Arabia, as Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson stands on the verge of a transfer.

Henderson has astonished English football by agreeing to a reported £700k-a-week contract at Saudi side Al Ettifaq. All that stands between him and a stunning exit is a fee being agreed with Liverpool.

And according to TalkSPORT, the 33-year-old’s potential move, as well as that of Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez to Al Ahli is causing ‘growing concern’ around Europe.

The rise of the Saudi clubs is said to be an ‘unwanted headache’ for clubs on the continent, as well as UEFA. The governing body are reportedly worried that they’ll start to lose viewing figures for their respective competitions if more stars leave.

Clubs are said to have initially expected only aging players to leave for the Middle East. But with players like Henderson, Mahrez and Sadio Mane set to leave their respective clubs, the worry is now building.

Europe concerned over Saudi pull

It remains to be seen exactly how the new set-up in Saudi Arabia will play out. One thing’s for sure though, it’s a heck of a lot more attractive to viewers than when Cristiano Ronaldo moved back in January.

Nevertheless, the ‘stars’ moving over there are still not necessarily the biggest names. Of course, it’s shocking that the likes of Henderson would be willing to move. However, the Reds captain is no longer expected to be a key man for Liverpool.

Mahrez is also now 32, and has arguably never been a consistent starter for City.

As for Mane, his slump from being one of the best in the world to a regular on the bench at Bayern now looks like being a permanent one.

Add in the likes of a fading Karim Benzema, an alarmingly bad Kalidou Koulibaly and a Ruben Neves who no one else wanted and it all adds up to the same thing: Europe will be fine.

If things go well for a year or two, then it may become a real concern. But until Westernised players have shown that they’re able to go and adapt to the culture and heat for an extended period, the jury should be out.

It’s still very possible that the very reverse thing that Saudi Arabia wanted happens, and things do not take off. At that point, these mercenary players are going to have to come crawling back with their tails between their legs. We’ll be there.