Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is still no nearer the Anfield exit door, as his move to Saudi Arabia drags out.
Henderson has shocked English football by reportedly accepting an enormous offer to move to Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq. After developments over the weekend, his departure from Liverpool has come to feel inevitable.
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, this may not actually be the case. They claim that despite reports of discussions ongoing between Liverpool and Al Ettifaq, ‘official’ contact is yet to be made between the clubs.
Even if that did happen, the Reds are said to be ‘unwilling’ to accept a ‘cut-price’ deal for Henderson. Unless Al Ettifaq bring a suitable offer to the table, it seems as though the 33-year-old is going nowhere.
In terms of what determines a good offer, it’s claimed that Liverpool have ‘noted’ the £20m spent on taking Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea to Al Hilal. This looks like being the yardstick.
Henderson forced to wait for Saudi move
To be honest, we’re not sure whether this is good news or bad news. In one way, it’s good that Liverpool aren’t on the verge of losing their captain as well as Fabinho.
On the other hand though, it would surely benefit everybody to get this whole thing sorted out.
It’s tough to see a way back for Henderson at Anfield now. Certainly not as the captain. He’s made his bed with the Saudis and now he’ll have to lie in it.
As a result, it’s better now that he leaves, one way or another. Liverpool are seemingly already looking harder and longer at the market than they were expecting to this summer. They can’t have any delays in moving for targets.
But at the same time, they’re absolutely right to demand a suitable fee for Henderson.
Something between £15-20m sounds about right for a player who still has a fair bit to offer. It wasn’t all that long ago that Jurgen Klopp was calling Henderson ‘outstanding’ [The Daily Mail]. With two years on his contract, there’s no need to do anyone any favours here.
If Al Ettifaq aren’t willing to get anywhere near that then they need to get out of Jordan’s ear and move on. If they are, then put the money on the table and stop messing everyone around. Crucial days ahead here, you feel.
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