13 July 2023 , 08:36
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Steven Gerrard previously claimed Liverpool "can't function" without a player like Jordan Henderson.
The Anfield legend played with a young Henderson when his playing days were coming to an end with the former Sunderland man excelling in recent years during a trophy-laden period for the Reds. Henderson has often been the man hoisting the silverware aloft, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Henderson, now in his 30s, faces a decision with Gerrard chasing him having taken charge at Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ettifaq. Clubs from the Middle Eastern country are throwing huge sums at players to lure them away from European leagues and Gerrard's affection for Henderson is well known.
He previously said: "I appreciated Jordan's power and fitness by training with him. Some players play for themselves, Jordan does the dirty running, grappling for second balls, 12 or 13km Saturday and Wednesday, again and again. Teams can't function at Liverpool's level without a cog-like Jordan Henderson. He's obviously going to be a Premier League winner. I look at him and think: good for you.
"He has that confidence now. He has lifted the European Cup above his head. I don't deserve one iota of credit, he has done it all himself, but I remember a chat with Jordan in LA a while ago and he wasn't sure whether he was coming or going at the club. I remember saying to him don't give up on Liverpool, you'll be fine. I knew what he had inside and that he would get there. You know with certain people."
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Henderson can more than double his £200,000-a-week wages if he chooses to leave Merseyside. Liverpool have not yet received a bid but one is expected in the coming days, which could lead to talks between the player and Jurgen Klopp.
The midfielder, who has spent 12 years at Liverpool, remained a regular last term but Liverpool have undergone a huge rebuild in his position. James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were all allowed to leave whilst Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have come in.
That will add to the competition for places with Fabinho, Harvey Elliott and Thiago also on the books at Anfield. It could limit Henderson's minutes, which may prove to Gerrard's advantage as he looks to tempt him to Saudi Arabia.
A host of big names have followed Cristiano Ronaldo, who made the move in January. Current Ballon d'Or holder Karim Benzema made the switch with N'Golo Kante and Ruben Neves among those to leave the Premier League. Henderson may also have to consider how the move would affect his England career with the Euros this summer.