Jordan Henderson 'considering' Saudi Arabia move as clubs wait for decision

Jordan Henderson is expected to decide his Liverpool future soon, amid continued interest from Saudi Arabia.

Stories of an offer to join Steven Gerrard's new club Al-Ettifaq appeared earlier in the week, but were initially shot down as having little substance by more local reports, which claimed that there had been no direct contact between Henderson and the Saudi club.

However, on Wednesday, Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph wrote that 33-year-old Henderson is "wrestling with the dilemma of whether to quit Liverpool and join the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia" and, while there has been "no formal approach", the interest is real and could turn into an official bid if Henderson is decides he is willing.

Bascombe claims that Henderson is currently weighing up the choice between a big payday in the Saudi Pro League — which has seen several eye-catching arrivals this summer, including that of Roberto Firmino — and remaining at Anfield.

READ MORE: Why losing Jordan Henderson this summer would be disastrous for Liverpool

The Echo notes that Al-Ettifaq are just one of the clubs in the Saudi Pro League interested in a move for Henderson, who has two years left on his Liverpool contract.

The Times' Paul Joyce writes a similar story, claiming it is a "decisive few days" for the Liverpool captain, who could see a diminished play role at Anfield in 2023/24, following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szobszlai.

While the finances on offer may be tempting, it is noted that Henderson is also considering his standing with England — with the Euros just one summer away.

If Henderson does give the green light for the Saudi club to make an official approach, Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool board will have a big decision to make.

Does Klopp try to convince his captain to stay for his experience and leadership qualities — having already lost vice-captain James Milner this summer — or does he accept the player's decision and use the opportunity to free up the wage bill and squad places for further arrivals?

Previous reports have indicated that the Reds may need to offload players before making any more signings, with Thiago also linked with a move away — both to Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

All the reports stress that Liverpool will want the Henderson situation resolved as soon as possible with pre-season already underway.