Liverpool cult hero REJECTS Saudi Pro League as Henderson rumours build

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 Jul 2023 12:08 BST
• 3 min read

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson could make a summer transfer to the Saudi Pro League – but one Anfield cult hero has knocked back the chance to follow Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema to the big-spending league.

The 33-year-old Henderson had been expected to have a diminished role at Liverpool this season after the midfield came under fire last term due to a lack of mobility. The 33-year-old still played 35 of the club’s 38 Premier League fixtures, but the prospect of him departing Jurgen Klopp’s side remains live.

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According to a report from L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi, Henderson is in “very advanced” talks with Al-Ettifaq, who are now coached by Steve Gerrard.

It is unclear at this stage how interested in a move Henderson might be.

MORE: Paul Pogba fuels SHOCK transfer rumours with Instagram post

Origi rejects Saudi deal

Divock Origi, meanwhile, has rejected the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League, according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport.

The Belgium international won acclaim at Anfield during a six-year spell from 2014-2022, where he made a number of decisive cameo appearances, most notably against Everton and also against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Now 28, Origi is playing with Milan where he netted just two goals in 36 appearances.

The second-highest earner in the squad behind only Rafael Leao, the Rossoneri are looking to push the striker away from the club, with the report in Italy describing him as a “sensational flop”.

Origi, meanwhile, has indicated that he is unwilling to leave Milan, where he has a contract that runs until 2026. Even the big-money of the Saudi Pro League has not tempted him into a potential move – bad news for Milan head coach Stefano Piolo, who must wait for him to leave before adding a new centre-forward to his ranks.