Clubs in Saudi Arabia thinking about signing ‘special’ 18-year-old Liverpool talent

Add as preferred source on Google

The Saudi Pro League has been in the news once again this week, with former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson leaving Al Ettifaq for Ajax.

It was a remarkable turnaround from Henderson, who became determined to leave the club only six months after arriving. Eventually, he got his wish.

The 33-year-old’s adamance to leave Saudi Arabia has thrown doubt on the credibility of the emerging league. And now, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, ‘Saudi deal makers’ are now thinking about a change of tact.

Writing for CaughtOffside today, Jacobs claims that the powers that be for the Pro League are now looking at making it a more attractive place for top clubs to send youngsters on-loan. And they want a Liverpool talent to be one of the guinea pigs.

“Although there is a desire to buy, loans aren’t being ruled out to create more of a connection, and an ongoing relationship, with clubs from Europe’s big-five leagues,” says the reporter.

“Dortmund’s Almugera Kabar, Sampdoria’s Facundo Gonzalez (on-loan from Juventus) and Liverpool’s Ben Doak, who is currently injured, are all under consideration. As Saudi’s football infrastructure grows, and facilities are further invested in, clubs may view the Saudi Pro League as a useful destination to get young players minutes.”

Saudis target Doak

This is the latest almost laughable update from this league. What on earth could Liverpool gain from sending one of their top talents out on-loan to Saudi Arabia.

From the league’s point of view, of course you can understand it. For all of the reasons Jacobs says, it sounds like a good idea for them.

But for a loan to work, you need a solution that is aimed at benefitting everybody. This is completely a one-way street.

As Henderson’s immediate desire to return suggests, the level is far below what someone like Doak would be used to. Spending time in the Pro League would not do him any good at all.

At least if the 18-year-old dropped down a division or two in the English football pyramid, the physicality and speed of the game would help him.

But, with all due respect, the same can’t be said of the Pro League. For a young player, it represents almost the exact opposite of what they need to be ready for an environment like the first-team at Liverpool.

Doak has been described as a ‘special’ talent by U21s coach Barry Lewtas [Liverpool ECHO]. With his current injury issues, the Reds need to be careful with his development. As a result, this proposal should be laughed out of the room if it ever sees the light of day.

As they search for more ways to put themselves on the footballing map, we don’t necessarily blame the Saudis for thinking up these kinds of initiatives. But at this stage, it simply isn’t feasible.