Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has been left out of the club’s first pre-season friendly amid ongoing Saudi Arabia interest.
Manager Jurgen Klopp decided to omit the skipper ahead of the Karlsruher fixture on Wednesday evening. Henderson has been part of the training camp, but his absence indicates that his departure is looming.
Until Wednesday, Liverpool were adamant that the interest in Henderson from Al-Ettifaq, the club coached by Kop legend Steven Gerrard, was more ‘noise’ than a reflection of a formal offer or even talks between the clubs. The Saudis offered Henderson a contract worth £30 million a year via his representatives. However, Liverpool insist they want a significant transfer fee.
The lack of movement since news of interest in him became public raised the possibility of the England international being left in limbo. However,Saudi Arabia will do everything in its power to get the deal over the line.
Liverpool have offered no indication as to whether they are receptive to Hendersonleaving. Instead, they would rather he see out the last two years of his contract.
However, Klopp leaving Henderson out for the first warm-up match will be interpreted as a clear hint that he is preparing to enter the upcoming season without his skipper. Equally, today’s decision could be to take him out of the public eye until the situation is resolved.
At 33, Henderson’s role in the Liverpool squad was evolving. He is no longer a guaranteed starter, so he has considered his future since the Saudi offer was made to him.
Liverpool are also without Fabinho in Germany, with the 29-year-old allowed to agree terms with Al-Ittihad as talks progress on a £40 million deal.
Fabinho is close to becoming the fourth senior midfielder to leave Anfield since May.
Neither his nor Henderson’s exit was anticipated until a few weeks ago. The Saudi interest has the potential to be destabilizing unless Liverpool react quickly to secure replacements.
Henderson has faced criticism for considering an offer from the Saudis because of his previous comments regarding human rights. This is especially true for the LGBT community.
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