12 July 2023 , 13:47
534
0
Jordan Henderson has a big decision ahead of him as he weighs up whether or not to trade Liverpool for a Saudi Pro League contract.
The Reds captain has spent more than a decade at Anfield, winning every trophy going during his time with the Merseyside club. Now, though, the offer of a big-money finale to his career is on the table.
Henderson is said to be one of the stars wanted by Al Ettifaq's new manager Steven Gerrard, a midfield partner of his during the run to second place in the 2013-14 Premier League season. The Telegraph report that the England international is weighing up the pros and cons of the switch, but there's plenty for him to consider.
Henderson wouldn't be the first member of Liverpool's 2019-20 Premier League winning squad to head to Saudi Arabia. Roberto Firmino has already completed a move to Al Ahli, who won promotion to the top tier last season.
According to The Mail, Henderson would enjoy a 50 percent pay rise if he joins Gerrard, with a two-year deal on the table plus the option of a third to be added. Money isn't the only thing on the 33-year-old midfielder's mind, though.
Klopp's dream Liverpool line up as last-gasp January transfers rejected
Henderson, who has 77 caps for England, is likely to retire from international football after Euro 2024. If he moves away from a big European league, though, would he even continue being picked by Gareth Southgate?
Do you expect Jordan Henderson to move to Saudi Arabia? Have your say in the comments section
Jordan Henderson could be reunited with former team-mate Steven Gerrard (Getty Images)Mirror Football is now on Threads! You can follow us here
Liverpool's skipper signed his most recent contract extension in 2021, keeping him at Anfield until the end of the 2024-25 season. That's likely to be it for the midfielder at Anfield, which perhaps sheds some light on why he is said to be seriously considering Ettifaq's offer, with a decision expected by the end of the week.
It's also a pivotal time for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. The German might not be in a position to offer Henderson new terms, but he is likely to be keen to keep one of his senior players, having already lost James Milner and Roberto Firmino after eight-year Anfield spells.
Klopp has begun his latest rebuild, bringing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to Anfield. Romeo Lavia is also on the Reds' radar, with a third summer signing not out of the question after the midfield was shorn of Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Henderson made 35 appearances in the Premier League last season with 12 of those coming from the bench and he could find his opportunities limited next term with the new signings likely to be starters.
Integrating three new talents would undoubtedly be easier with the skipper around to show them the ropes and help ease the transition though. And this is why Henderson's decision will be felt keenly by Klopp one way of another.