Jordan Henderson considering leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia

Jordan Henderson has started pre-season training at Liverpool amid interest from the Saudi Pro League. Photo: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images Jordan Henderson struggles with the dilemma of leaving Liverpool and joining the Premier League exodus to Saudi Arabia. A decision is expected shortly.

Liverpool have not been formally approached by their captain, but former team-mate and Copa al-Ettifak legend Steven Gerrard are leading Henderson's proposals. Now he has to make an important decision to end a 12-year partnership with the Merseyside club.

At 33, Henderson will be weighing the immediate benefits of a lucrative deal in the Saudi Arabian league, where he will join former teammate Roberto Firmino and a host of other big names against not leaving Liverpool right now. Henderson still has two years on his contract at Liverpool but the tide is changing as manager Jurgen Klopp is resetting midfield and has more options ahead of next season.

Klopp recently paid a total of £95m sterling. for Alexis McAllister and Dominic Soboslai, who are expected to be the first in the starting lineup.

Obviously, Henderson will decide whether to give the Saudis the green light to move closer to Liverpool. If the proposal goes through, it will be clear that Henderson has decided to make a move. Also, Klopp's response to any such proposal would be exciting.

The Liverpool manager would ideally add another midfielder to his ranks — Southampton's Romeo Lavia is the next taxi in the rankings, so to speak — but his £50m valuation is too high and additional spending will be required. From a practical and financial point of view, it is counterintuitive for Klopp to keep nine midfielders in his team, especially since Trent Alexander-Arnold is now playing a hybrid role. This creates an unstable situation as Thiago Alcantara is expected to attract additional interest from Saudi Arabia.

However, Klopp may want Henderson to stay because of his experience. The loss of James Milner over the summer would have meant a major shift for another senior pro to leave. That's why Henderson's attitude towards offers will undoubtedly be the most determining factor.

Henderson will also ponder the implications for his England career if he moves this summer. He still plays a key role in Gareth Southgate's plans ahead of next summer's European Championship and won't want to jeopardize his position.

Of course Klopp wants the situation resolved as soon as possible as he prepares his team to the crucial work of preparing for their pre-season camp in Germany.