Liverpool will press ahead on Saturday with finalising the sale of Jordan Henderson to Al Ettifaq in a deal worth £82million in total, sources have told Football Insider.
The Anfield skipper, 33, has agreed a two-year contract with the Saudi club that includes the option of a third year in a deal that will see his salary rise to £700,000 per week – more than £36million per year.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Friday afternoon that there had been a breakthrough in talks over a £10million deal and Henderson was telling Liverpool that he wanted to go.
The Saudi club are confident the move will now be completed soon, putting an end to the England international’s glittering 12-year Anfield career.
Liverpool are expected to agree a fee of around £10million for their skipper, who has two years left on his deal.
Football Insider revealed on Thursday (13 July) that Liverpool would not stand in Henderson’s way of a move if he told them he wanted to leave.
It is understood that the Reds are now set to lose a fourth senior midfielder this summer after James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain left on free transfers.
There are also doubts over the futures of Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara, both of whom have attracted strong interest from the Middle East.
It is the departure of Henderson that will perhaps resonate most, given his influence at Anfield since signing in a £16million move from boyhood club Sunderland.
He became Liverpool’s captain in 2015 following the departure of club legend Steven Gerrard, who is now manager of Al Ettifaq.
During his time as captain, Henderson led Liverpool to win the Premier League, FA Cup, EFL Cup, Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
In other news, Liverpool ready formal Romeo Lavia move as three transfers edge close
