Jordan Henderson’s exit to boost Liverpool’s transfer budget
Liverpool’s potential sale of Jordan Henderson to Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq is poised to unlock a substantial transfer budget for the Reds to bolster their squad this summer.
The 33-year-old midfielder’s move to the Middle East outfit, managed by former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, has progressed significantly, with both clubs reaching an agreement in principle. While the deal is believed to be valued at £12 million, which is lower than Liverpool’s initial £20 million asking price, additional favorable payment terms and add-ons could bridge the gap and inch closer to the desired figure.
One notable financial advantage of the transfer is that the £12 million can be registered as total profit, as Henderson will no longer carry a book value in the club’s accounts.
As part of his move, Henderson is expected to earn a staggering £700,000 per week, nearly four times his current wage at Anfield.
Although Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly intends to retain Henderson for the upcoming season, his potential departure would free up a considerable sum in wages, opening up opportunities for new signings.
Liverpool has already secured the signings of midfield duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £95 million this summer. However, Klopp’s pursuit of a defensive-minded midfielder has intensified following the anticipated departure of Fabinho to the Saudi Pro League.
The departure of Henderson could significantly contribute to funding a transfer deal for Liverpool, particularly in their quest to sign players like Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure. Both players have been linked to the club, and the funds saved from Henderson’s wages could make a substantial difference in securing their services.
Henderson, who currently earns approximately £190,000 a week at Anfield, has been a prominent figure as the club captain. While his successor is likely to be a younger player as Klopp aims to build a team for the future, their potentially lower wages would alleviate the payroll burden.
For instance, Southampton’s Lavia is believed to earn around £40,000 per week. Even with a considerable raise in wages, he would still cost Liverpool significantly less per year than Henderson, making the 19-year-old midfielder an attractive option for Klopp and magnifying the appeal of Henderson’s prospective sale.
As the negotiations between Liverpool and Al Ettifaq near completion, the outcome could have a transformative effect on Liverpool’s transfer strategy, enabling them to strengthen the squad while shaping a promising future under Klopp’s guidance.