You can’t help but feel an earthquake in world football right now. Saudi Arabia has entered the market and could become a real threat to some of the major powers in Europe.
Some might consider that statement an overreaction. After all, the majority of recent Pro League signings have been players in the twilight of their careers, looking for one last huge paycheck before retiring.
For now, the early forays of the Middle East might just paint it as a glorious retirement home for players, in the same way that MLS was perceived not so long ago. But it has shown signs of going further than that and that could cause some concern for Liverpool.
READ MORE: Jordan Henderson transfer call should be clear as Mohamed Salah surprises Liverpool captain
READ MORE: Mauricio Pochettino has a $220m problem at Chelsea as Liverpool transfer valid ‘belief’
Jordan Henderson is the latest player to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. Although the Daily Mail suggested on Tuesday that the Liverpool captain would not reunite with Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, ECHO has reported that interest is growing from the Pro League, with the midfielder currently having to face decisions about his future.
There will be some who see interest in Henderson as a potential opportunity for Liverpool. After all, he is now 33 years old and is likely to find his opportunities more limited following the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
At the same time, Henderson still has an important role to play at Anfield. After all, he is the captain of the club, and even with two new midfielders in the ranks, he will almost certainly still be a regular if he chooses to stay.
And that’s why Saudi Arabia’s interest could pose a threat to the Reds, especially next summer.
The Gulf country practically has a bottomless well to source its money, and there are no rules to say about the Law of Financial Fair Play, which can present attractive offers to players. If someone like Henderson seems to be able to turn around, then no one is off limits.
Already this summer, there have been rumors that Mohamed Salah will be a Pro League target. «We also have to start signing Mohamed Salah because he’s very popular in the Arab world and in Europe,» Saudi football official Hafez Al-Medlej told Koura, via AS, in September. before.
Salah fits the age standard currently being targeted by the Pro League, but he would also represent a different direction being taken, with the 31-year-old still at the peak of his power. How long that lasts remains to be seen, but it is certainly only a matter of time before offers come to the Egyptian.
From there, the door could open for other stars who fit that mold, and Liverpool have more than they share.
Virgil van Dijk (32) falls into that category, while Andy Robertson and Fabinho (both 29) will both be in their 30s next summer. Alisson (30) perhaps represents a unique case where goalkeepers have outlived their outfield players, although a precedent has perhaps been set by Édouard Mendy, 31, moving to Al Ahli from Chelsea.
Last season showed that Liverpool need to refresh their squad better, but also need to be careful not to lose too many important players at once. Saudi Arabia is making an impact on football and the Red Devils may need to find a way to prevent their players from being tempted.
#Henderson #show #bigger #transfer #problem #Liverpool #Saudi #question