Gerrard targets two more Liverpool stars amid Henderson Saudi Pro League exit rumours

Suraj Radia

• 11 Jan 2024 20:09 GMT
• 3 min read

Liverpool have already seen club legend Steven Gerrard take Jordan Henderson with him to Saudi Arabia and the Al-Ettifaq boss could target another two of Jurgen Klopp’s stars in the summer.

Gerrard has been under pressure in recent weeks, having been appointed as Al-Ettifaq manager in the summer, with his side sitting eighth in the Saudi Pro League and without a win since October.

Further turmoil has hit Gerrard with the news that Henderson is already keen to leave Saudi Arabia to return to Europe just months after penning a three-year contract worth a reported £700,000-per-week.

Henderson’s salary means a departure could prove difficult despite the England international feeling unsettled and unconvinced by his move so far, but it has seemingly not prevented Gerrard from targeting two more Liverpool stars.

Transfer reporter Ben Jacobs told CaughtOffside that Joe Gomez and Joel Matip were two players discussed in a transfer meeting by Gerrard and Al-Ettifaq, with names expected to be presented to Henderson to ease his concerns over the club’s project.

“Some of these names may be presented to Henderson to help reassure him of future plans and the project,” Jacobs said. “The England midfielder is believed to be self-representing, and should he find a genuine suitor Ettifaq’s ‘not for sale’ stance could yet be tested, but it’s certainly not an easy exit to facilitate.”

Will Gomez and Matip leave Liverpool?

Matip will likely leave Liverpool in the summer after eight seasons at the club, having suffered another long-term injury last year which is due to keep him out until his contract expires in the summer, at which point he is expected to be released.

Gomez, meanwhile, still has more than three years remaining on his contract and has proven a useful squad member, filling in all across the defence during Liverpool’s defensive injury crisis.

However, the 26-year-old has also endured question marks over his fitness, while there is believed to be an openness to cash in on Gomez as a squad player, particularly for the right fee.

Liverpool will look to strengthen their defence in the summer, having spent big on their midfield last year, with Henderson and Fabinho moving to Saudi Arabia, which facilitated deals for the likes of Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.