Jordan Henderson sale set to free up millions for Liverpool to spend in transfer market

Jordan Henderson's prospective move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq is expected to free up millions for Liverpool to spend in the transfer market.

On Monday, the 33-year-old took one step closer to a move to the Middle East after the Reds reached an agreed in principle with Al Ettifaq, who are managed by Steven Gerrard.

The deal is thought to be worth £12 million, significantly less than Liverpool's reported £20 million asking price. However, favourable payment terms and add-ons could take it far closer to that figure.

In addition, the £12m can be registered as total profit, with Henderson no longer carrying a book value in the club accounts.

The England international is expected to earn quadruple his current wage at Anfield, which is equivalent to an eye-watering £700,000 per week.

Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp is said to want to keep the midfielder for next season. But if he were to make way, scrapping Henderson's wages would clear the path for new arrivals.

Henderson sale could fund Liverpool transfer

Liverpool have already added midfield duo Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai for a combined £95 million this summer, but the Reds boss is still in the market for a defensive-minded midfielder.

Meanwhile, his search has taken on a degree of urgency following Fabinho's expected departure to the Saudi Pro League.

In turn, Liverpool have identified a long list which allegedly includes Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure.

And Henderson's exit could play a big part in Liverpool striking a deal with either player, or indeed both.

The current Reds club captain is understood to earn around £190,000 a week at Anfield, having established himself as one of the more senior members of the squad.

If that figure is correct, he would rake in £9.9m per year, or £19.8m over the remainder of his contract.

Although his replacement is likely to be far younger, with Klopp building a team for the future, and therefore would have less impact on the payroll.

For instance, Lavia is suspected to earn around £40,000 per week at Southampton. Even by doubling his current wages, he would cost Liverpool £5.7m less per year than Henderson, making the 19-year-old an attractive option to Klopp, and Henderson's potential sale all the more lucrative.