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Steven Gerrard 'wants Jordan Henderson, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang signings for Al-Ettifaq'

Gerrard 'wants Henderson, Aubameyang signings for Al-Ettifaq'
© Reuters
New Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard is allegedly keen to secure deals for Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson and Chelsea forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.

Steven Gerrard is reportedly keen to mark his Al-Ettifaq arrival with the signings of Jordan Henderson and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Despite having initially rejected the opportunity to move to the Saudi Arabian club, Gerrard was confirmed as the team's new manager on Monday.

Securing the services of the Liverpool and England legend is the latest coup for the Saudi Pro League who are well on their way to establishing themselves as a major division in world football.

Unlike with Al-Ittihad, Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal and Al-Ahli, Gerrard's new employers are not partly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which should mean that they do not possess the same level of spending power.

Nevertheless, on the back of last season's seventh-placed finish, there is a desire to keep pace with the teams above them and take advantage of Gerrard's reputation.

Jordan Henderson celebrates scoring for Liverpool in December 2021© Reuters

According to the Daily Mail, Henderson and Aubameyang could be on Gerrard's shortlist of potential arrivals.

Albeit not on the same level, Henderson is a legendary figure at Liverpool, making a total of 492 appearances during his 12 years at Anfield.

The club captain has made 35 outings in each of the last two Premier League campaigns, while he also has two years remaining on his contract at the Merseyside giants.

However, Liverpool are undergoing somewhat of a midfield refresh, and although Henderson remains a key man under Jurgen Klopp, it is unclear where he sees the rest of his career.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang celebrates scoring for Chelsea on October 11, 2022© Reuters

Meanwhile, Aubameyang is available on a free transfer after being made surplus to requirements at Chelsea, both before and after Mauricio Pochettino became the club's head coach.

Reports have previously indicated that the Gabon international's preference is to remain in Europe, rather than take a lucrative deal which is on offer in the Middle East.

That said, several of his Chelsea teammates have already made the switch to Saudi Arabia, while it remains to be seen whether more arrivals will lead to a change of heart.

Aubameyang barely played for Chelsea during the second half of last season, accumulating just 112 minutes in the Premier League from March onwards.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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