da lvbet： Jordan Henderson is set for crunch transfer talks with Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard after reports suggesting he is keen to leave the Saudi club.
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Henderson considering Saudi U-turnTalks scheduled with manager GerrardSaudi club unlikely to make move easyGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
The England international surprised some and insulted others when it was revealed he would complete a move to the Middle East, after suggestions he would feature less under Jurgen Klopp this term. However, the former Liverpool captain now appears to have had a change of heart, with multiple reports linking him to a move out of Al-Ettifaq this winter. As rumours continue to circulate, 's Ben Jacobs reports that crunch talks have been scheduled over Henderson's future.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The 33-year-old is set to meet with manager Steven Gerrard and sporting director Mark Allen for face-to-face discussions on January 14. Despite reported interest from the Premier League it is thought that the Saudi club will hold firm in any negotiations for Henderson. A permanent sale is unlikely given the fee Al-Ettifaq would ask for, Jacobs reports, while a loan will only go ahead should 100 per cent of Henderson's wage be accounted for, as well as a loan fee. The midfielder currently earns £8m ($10.2m) a year.
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Beyond a sensational Premier League return – which includes links with Newcastle, the arch rivals of Henderson's boyhood club Sunderland – other suitors in Europe have emerged. Dutch giants Ajax and Bundesliga holders Bayern Munich are two such names. However, Al-Ettifaq seemingly won't be pressured into a loan or sale this window, and his move must be seen to financially benefit the Saudi outfit.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR HENDERSON?
That said, Henderson is yet to formally hand in a transfer request, meaning Al-Ettifaq have not received any concrete offers for the midfielder. Talks with Gerrard and Allen should shed light on the seriousness of said exit rumours, with Henderson likely conscious of his place in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.