Steven Gerrard could put huge dent in Liverpool’s title challenge as Al-Ettifaq boss eyes DOUBLE transfer for Reds stars
STEVEN GERRARD’S Al-Ettifaq are eyeing up TWO Liverpool stars, according to reports.
The Reds icon, 43, convinced Jordan Henderson to swap Merseyside for the Saudi Pro League in the summer.
It is a move that has not worked out for Henderson, 33, as he is now seeking a return to the Premier League.
But that has not deterred Al-Ettifaq from pursuing more of Jurgen Klopp‘s men.
According to CaughtOffside, a three-hour recruitment meeting saw the Saudi side land on Liverpool defenders Joe Gomez and Joel Matip as two of their summer targets.
Aston Villa‘s Bertrand Traore was another name identified by Gerrard’s men.
And with the money the Saudis can offer, a transfer could end up being completed as early as January – disrupting Klopp’s title challenge.
Gomez, 26, has started five of Liverpool’s last six games, filling in at full-back as Klopp copes with injuries to Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
But when everyone is available, Gomez is a bit-part player in the squad and has struggled to lock down a regular spot in the team.
Meanwhile, Matip has been sidelined since December with an ACL injury and is expected to be out for a lengthy period.
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His contract is also set to expire in the summer.
Klopp spoke about Matip’s contract situation last month.
The Reds boss said: “I’m pretty sure the club will show their class. We have to make a decision with Joel with how things look after that.
“I would say so [there is a chance of a new deal] but it’s not my decision.”
Henderson was not the only Liverpool player to move to Saudi Arabia last summer.
Roberto Firmino joined Al-Ahli after his Reds contract expired at the end of the season.
And Fabinho signed for Al-Ittihad after a successful five-year stint in England.
Liverpool sit three points clear of Aston Villa at the top of the Premier League table and five above champions Manchester City having played one game more.
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