Jordan Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia is in jeopardy because Al-Ettifaq are unable to satisfy Liverpool’s demands even though they are paying the midfielder £35 million a year.
Henderson, a 33-year-old veteran of England, has agreed to a contract worth £700,000 per week, but Liverpool demands a transfer cost of almost £20 million.
Al-Ettifaq, a Saudi team not controlled by the Public Investment Fund, are having difficulty reaching that goal.
The Reds captain is the most recent Premier League player to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League, where he would rejoin with Steven Gerrard, his former teammate who is currently the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson has discussed his options with his club and national team managers, Jurgen Klopp and Gareth Southgate.
Before the Euros next year, there were early signs that Henderson would be hesitant to leave Liverpool because of his England status.
But it’s said that he’s now giving Al-Ettifaq’s offer, which would treble his present salary, considerable thought.
Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia are showing interest in teammate Fabinho, which would add to the loss of midfield expertise already suffered by James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain after their contracts expired last month.
Dominik Szoboszlai of RB Leipzig and Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton have been added as reinforcements.