“It’s still smart business by Liverpool.”
Jurgen Klopp will be buzzing with Jordan Henderson’s potential move away from Saudi, and it isn’t because there is any chance of the former Liverpool captain returning to Anfield.
Henderson left the Reds last summer in a move that surprised everyone, as he forced a transfer away from his club to Al-Ettifaq, who are managed by another former Liverpool captain, Steven Gerrard.
Given the Englishman’s comments about the Qatar World Cup and his opposition to their views on homosexuality in particular, he faced a lot of backlash from the public for deciding to make the move to Saudi.
Jurgen Klopp will be buzzing with Jordan Henderson’s potential move.
However, after struggling to adapt to the environment, culture and testing weather conditions, Henderson wants to move back to Europe and play his football there, which is good news for Liverpool as they are set to get a “healthy sell on fee” if the transfer happens.
Indeed, it has been reported by the Athletic reporter David Ornstein this morning that Henderson will leave Al Ettifaq to join Ajax, with his contract in the process of being terminated.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs on GIVEMESPORT, the Anfield faithful could potentially cash in, but he also admits that a transfer looks unlikely.
“Liverpool have a sell-on clause if Jordan Henderson is sold permanently from Al-Ettifaq, as exclusively revealed. It’s a healthy percentage, but obviously Henderson won’t command such a big fee.
“It’s still smart business by Liverpool. They added it because they felt the transfer fee when he moved was still too low. Remember, they originally wanted £20million to let their captain go.
“The sell-on clause is more important in the sense it means Al-Ettifaq will make a bit less and, because of that, they will need £20million or more to make a profit off Henderson when fee, wages and other costs are considered.
“I don’t see anyone paying this. A loan feels more likely. Al-Ettifaq’s position is that they don’t want Henderson to leave at all, and won’t be pressured into selling. They will only do so if Henderson tells them face-to-face he wants to leave, and it makes financial sense to the club.
“A loan will require a fee and 100% wage coverage. Therefore, Henderson is likely to also have to take a pay cut before departing. That said, some of the reported figures of his wage are exaggerated, from what I hear. I am told he is on £8million-per-year, which is nowhere near the £700,000-per-week some suggest.”
European giants offer Jordan Henderson surprise exit route from Saudi disaster.
Henderson isn’t short of suitors who are interested in signing in the robust midfielder, but there are several road blocks that need to be evaded if a transfer is to go through.
The contract he has with his current club will present a lot of problems, and getting around the high wage demand will be an issue, so it immediately rules out a lot of clubs who would otherwise be keen on signing him.
However, one European giant that is very interested in getting Henderson’s signature is Dutch kingpins Ajax, as they believe he could offer the leadership qualities that they are lacking, and potentially turn their season around.
Before Ajax’s 3-2 Eredivisie win over Go Ahead Eagles on Sunday, their manager John van ‘t Schip was asked about Henderson and he didn’t hide the fact that the club was pushing to complete a deal with the England international.
“There is serious talk going on with Henderson,” Van ‘t Schip said (via ESPN). “He still has some things to arrange in Saudi Arabia.
“It could be a nice match. It’s no secret that we could really use that type of player. Other guys can benefit from that.”
Related links:
- Jordan Henderson reportedly wants to leave Saudi Arabia after six months
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Jordan Henderson involved in heated bust-up after Saudi Cup match
- Jordan Henderson says he doesn’t understand why he was booed by England fans
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