Al-Ettifaq ‘ready to spend Jordan Henderson transfer money to bring in ex-Liverpool team-mate’

JORDAN HENDERSON’S departure from Al-Ettifaq could pave the way for another Liverpool legend to join the Saudi Arabian side, according to reports.

England midfielder Henderson, 33, has endured a difficult six-month spell in the Middle East after leaving Anfield last summer.

Jordan Henderson looks set to leave Al-Ettifaq in the January windowAlamy

Now he looks set to pay his own way out of his deal and take a 75 per cent pay cut in order to join Ajax in the January window.

And while Al-Ettifaq are preparing to lose an experienced international, they are set to earn around £8million from Henderson’s exit.

Steven Gerrard‘s Saudi club will also earn a bonus if Ajax qualify for Europe.

According to talkSPORT, Al-Ettifaq are seeking to reinvest those funds into ex-Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino – who is now playing for Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.

It is understood the Brazilian is frustrated with the system at his current club.

Firmino has not scored a single goal in his last 18 games, since bagging a hat-trick on his debut.

But Gerrard faces competition from Fulham who are also in pursuit of the ex-Hoffenheim marksman.

Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq are keeping tabs on two Liverpool stars in the form of Thiago and Joel Matip.

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Ex-Celtic man Jota is another name on Al-Ettifaq’s radar.

The Portuguese forward, linked with Tottenham, was not registered by Al-Ittihad and cannot play in the Saudi Pro League for the rest of the season.

Al-Nassr’s Seko Fofana, formerly of Udinese and Lens, is another name being linked with Al-Ettifaq.

Roberto Firmino has endured a nightmare spell at Al-AhliGetty

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