Earlier this month, 90min reported that Jordan Henderson is feeling unsettled in Saudi Arabia and might express his desire to leave Ettifaq during an upcoming meeting with club officials, including manager Steven Gerrard. Henderson’s potential departure has caught the attention of several clubs, with interest coming from Premier League teams and Eredivisie’s Ajax. Recently, Juventus has joined the race for Henderson’s signature.
Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, corroborated by Sky in Italy, reveal that Juventus has initiated contact with Henderson, showing interest in a potential loan deal. This interest has been given the green light by Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri. However, Henderson’s preference for an 18-month loan contract could pose a challenge for Juventus. The club is also evaluating other midfield options, including Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic and Atalanta’s Ederson.
Sources indicate that a loan exit for Henderson is more feasible than a permanent transfer during this window. Nevertheless, Ettifaq is keen to safeguard their financial interests in any potential deal. Should a loan move materialize, interested clubs would need to cover Henderson’s full wages. Even if Henderson agrees to a salary reduction to facilitate a return to Europe, Ettifaq would still demand full wage payments and a loan fee to enable them to strengthen their squad.
For a permanent transfer of Henderson, Ettifaq has set certain conditions to ensure a profitable outcome. They are looking for a fee of around £20 million to cover the transfer fee, wages, and relocation expenses. This would ensure that Ettifaq makes a profit from the transaction while maintaining financial stability.
In parallel, Ettifaq is also considering potential replacements for Henderson, should he leave. Among the names being explored are Saudi international Abdulelah Al-Malki and Al Nassr’s Seko Fofana. Despite these considerations, retaining Henderson remains the club’s primary focus. The club’s management is determined to handle the transfer situation with utmost care, aiming to balance financial stability with the need for squad reinforcement.
Henderson’s situation at Ettifaq has become a topic of significant interest, given his stature as a former Liverpool captain. His potential departure could impact Ettifaq’s plans and strategies for the upcoming season. Therefore, the club is meticulously evaluating all options to ensure they make the best possible decision for their future.
As the transfer window progresses, the coming days will be crucial in determining Henderson’s future. Ettifaq’s management is set to engage in discussions with Henderson to understand his perspective and preferences. These discussions will play a vital role in shaping the club’s approach to any potential transfer, whether it be a loan or a permanent move.
Ultimately, Ettifaq aims to navigate this situation by prioritizing both financial prudence and the strengthening of their squad. The club’s careful handling of Henderson’s potential transfer underscores their commitment to maintaining stability while pursuing their sporting ambitions.
