Club ready to pay whatever Liverpool want to sign ‘brilliant’ player from them – Sky

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Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq are ready to pay whatever it takes to sign Jordan Henderson from Liverpool.

As the dust begins to settle on the major news from last night, it now looks extremely likely that the Reds are going to lose their captain this summer.

And according to Sky Sports, Steven Gerrard managed Al Ettifaq are absolutely determined to make sure that they do.

“It’s our understanding that Al Ettifaq are waiting for Jordan Henderson to give them the green light as to whether or not to make a formal offer to Liverpool,” says Sky reporter James Savundra. “They’re so keen to sign Jordan Henderson.

“He’s currently on 200 thousand pounds a year [week] at Liverpool. Now, they’re proposing to triple his current salary and even more so, potentially up to 700 thousand pounds a week. The suggestion of a two year contract with a one-year extension as well.

“They’re so willing to sign Jordan Henderson that they’re ready to bid whatever fee is necessary to try and sign him from Liverpool.”

Al Ettifaq ready to break the bank on Henderson

At the moment, the ‘necessary’ fee is said to be something along the lines of £10m. But, really, that sounds like it’s rather on the low side. Other reports now indicate that it could be more like closer to £20m.

In either case, Liverpool have a player here who this club are willing to pay enormous wages to. They’re ready to break the bank on him. The Reds have to be asking for more money.

Of course, Henderson has been an excellent servant for the club over the past 12 years. Some would argue that he should be allowed to leave on whatever terms he likes.

Well, although that may be in part true, this is a special situation. With two years left to run on a deal that he specifically pushed to ensure was offered, Liverpool are in a strong position. The 33-year-old is still a very important member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad and the fee should reflect that.

In reality, we’d now expect to make a profit on the £20m Liverpool paid Sunderland for Henderson back in 2011.

To some that may seem high. But Hendo is still a good player for all his failings last season. He’s also still a regular international, with Jack Grealish terming his performances for England as ‘brilliant’ not all that long ago [BBC Sport].

Add all of this up and Liverpool absolutely should not be doing favours for anyone. Either Al Ettifaq pay up, or Jordan’s going nowhere. Judging by this, it sounds like that’s something they’re willing to do. Whatever the price.