Liverpool star left out of pre-season opener as Saudi move beckons

Jordan Henderson to miss pre-season opener for Liverpool amid interest from Al-Ettifaq

As per a tweet from Paul Joyce of the Times, Liverpool have left captain Jordan Henderson out of the squad for the opening pre-season game amid interest from Al-Ettifaq.

A few days ago, the Guardian revealed that Henderson has agreed contract terms to move to the Saudi Arabia club this summer.

Transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano reported

that negotiations are ongoing between Liverpool and Al-Ettifaq to decide the transfer fee. The Reds are in no mood to let the player go for free knowing he still has a contract at Anfield.

Here’s what Joyce tweeted:

“Jordan Henderson to miss Liverpool’s friendly with Karlsruher given ongoing interest from Al-Ettifaq.”

Joyce is not one of those reporters who will write about every move in the transfer window. He generally reports things when it is close to being done or something like that.

If he has tweeted that Henderson will miss the opening pre-season game against Karlsruher due to the interest in Al-Ettifaq, it would mean that there is more to it than just interest from the Saudi side.

It will be the right decision from the Reds to let the 33-year-old go. His footballing display has been on a decline for a while now. Once that happens, the captaincy gets affected generally.

Moreover, Henderson won’t feel left out there because Al-Ettifaq is currently managed by former teammate and Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

It is a move that potentially suits all parties. The Reds now have the job to make sure they find a suitable replacement for the 33-year-old. We know Fabinho is also close to signing for Al-Ittihad.

More Liverpool News

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• Ibrahima Konate talks about reuniting with Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool
• FC Andorra signs young Liverpool defender Anderson Arroyo on loan

So, the club may need to make two more midfield signings in the coming days. Interesting times ahead. Just hope the incoming players make an impact as per expectations.