Al Ettifaq to use Jordan Henderson profit to target Liverpool stars and Saudi rivals

9 months ago 70
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Al Ettifaq could use their money from Jordan Henderson's departure to bring in another Liverpool legend.

The England international is poised to depart the Saudi outfit just six months after sealing a summer switch from Anfield.

Henderson is set to depart Al Ettifaq to link up with Ajax

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Henderson is set to depart Al Ettifaq to link up with AjaxCredit: Getty

talkSPORT understands that the 33-year-old has reached an agreement to effectively pay his way out of his contract in the Middle East.

It is believed that Ettifaq stand to earn around £8million net from Henderson's departure after the midfielder agreed a 75 per cent pay cut in his bid to join Ajax.

He will also pay Steven Gerrard's side an additional bonus if the Dutch giants qualify for Europe.

And Ettifaq are planning to use their incoming money this window, with Henderson's ex-Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino lined up.

READ MORE ON JORDAN HENDERSON

The Brazilian forward has struggled since joining Al Ahli on a free transfer, having failed to score since bagging a hat-trick on his debut.

It is believed that Firmino is frustrated by Al Ahli's system, with the club willing to loan him out in the New Year.

And Ettifaq are interested in securing his services, with Gerrard known to be a huge admirer of the former Hoffenheim star.

Along with Firmino, Jota, who swapped Celtic for Al Ittihad last summer, is another player on Ettifaq's radar.

Firmino could make a move to Ettifaq during the winter window

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Firmino could make a move to Ettifaq during the winter windowCredit: Getty

Jota has struggled to make an impact at Al Ittihad since leaving Celtic

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Jota has struggled to make an impact at Al Ittihad since leaving CelticCredit: Getty

The 24-year-old forward is unable to play in any Saudi Pro League games for the remainder of the campaign after being left out of the squad's registration.

Saudi rules limit clubs from registering more than eight foreign players, with the Portugal youth international failing to make the cut despite joining for £25m.

Graeme Souness suggests what may be behind Jordan Henderson's desire to leave Saudi Arabia after six months in the league

Meanwhile Al Nassr's Seko Fofana is also admired by Ettifaq, though it isn't thought a January loan would be possible.

Ettifaq are also keeping an eye on their summer targets, with the club identifying two more Liverpool stars who are set to become free agents.

Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are being monitored, with the Reds braced to see more players move to Saudi.

It wasn't just Henderson and Firmino that left last year, with Fabinho also being sold to Al Ittihad.

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