Restructuring Liverpool’s valuation of Jordan Henderson may hamper potential Saudi Pro League transfer

The summer transfer window has witnessed a flurry of high-profile moves from Europe to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia emerging as an enticing destination for renowned football talents. While the signings of Cristiano Ronaldo and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema have made headlines, attention has now shifted to Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who may prove to be a groundbreaking case for the Saudi Pro League.

Former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, now managing Al Ettifaq, has set his sights on bringing Henderson to his new club. The notion of the captain of one of the world’s largest clubs contemplating a move to the Gulf state may appear far-fetched, but the current situation suggests otherwise.

Reports suggest that Henderson is leaning towards a transfer that would see his wages skyrocket to an astonishing £700,000 per week. Despite facing criticism from a fan group, the England star is rumored to have already agreed to the move, pending club negotiations.

However, Liverpool is demanding a hefty £20 million for the 33-year-old midfielder, a price that Al Ettifaq seems reluctant to meet. Initially under the impression that they could secure Henderson’s services for free, the buying club now faces the reality of a substantial transfer fee, as confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

While Saudi Arabia boasts considerable financial resources, Al Ettifaq does not enjoy the backing of the country’s Public Investment Fund, which recently acquired the nation’s major clubs. Nevertheless, they are reportedly offering astronomical wages to Henderson, a trend also seen with Gerrard, who is said to have become one of the highest-paid managers in the world since his move.

Should the reported wages materialize, Henderson would find himself among the top 10 best-paid players globally, underscoring the magnitude of the proposed transfer. As negotiations continue, the outcome of this deal could set a precedent for future transfers involving high-value players and the Saudi Pro League.