Earlier this month, 90min reported that Jordan Henderson is feeling unsettled in Saudi Arabia and may express his desire to leave Ettifaq during a meeting with club officials, including manager Steven Gerrard, this week.
With interest from Premier League clubs and Eredivisie side Ajax, Juventus has now joined the race for Henderson’s signature.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, later confirmed by Sky in Italy, Juventus has contacted Henderson about a potential loan deal, which manager Massimiliano Allegri has approved.
The report mentions Henderson’s preference for an 18-month loan contract, which could pose challenges for Juventus.
The club is also considering other midfield targets like Udinese’s Lazar Samardzic and Atalanta’s Ederson
Sources suggest a loan exit for Henderson is more likely than a permanent sale this transfer window. However, Ettifaq is keen to protect their financial interests in any potential departure.
If Henderson moves on loan, the interested club must cover his wages entirely. Even if the 33-year-old agrees to a salary reduction for a return to Europe, Ettifaq would insist on full wage payments and demand a loan fee to help reinforce their squad.
For a permanent transfer, Ettifaq would require a fee around £20 million to ensure a profit after all costs are considered, including transfer fees, wages, and relocation expenses.
While Ettifaq is exploring potential replacements for Henderson, such as Saudi international Abdulelah Al-Malki and Al Nassr’s Seko Fofana, retaining the former Liverpool captain remains their primary focus.
The club aims to handle the transfer situation with careful consideration of financial stability and squad reinforcement.
