Jordan Henderson trains with Al Ettifaq ahead of Liverpool exit

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has already started training with Al Ettifaq ahead of a transfer to the Saudi Pro League club.

Earlier this month, it became apparent that the long-serving Liverpool man was contemplating a switch to the Middle East.

As soon as speculation started, the move was deemed to be controversial on the back of Henderson's previous staunch support for the LGBT community, a way of life that is deemed illegal in Saudi Arabia.

However, talks have persisted for a number of weeks with the England international said to have agreed terms with Al Ettifaq ahead of a fee being agreed with his club.

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That reportedly changed in recent days with Liverpool seemingly being prepared to cash in on the 33-year-old for a fee in the region of £13m.

Although confirmation of the deal has not been as quickly forthcoming as anticipated, Henderson is known to have travelled to Croatia to link up with Al Ettifaq's training camp.

Earlier this afternoon, a video emerged on Twitter showing Henderson already working with manager Steven Gerrard and his future teammates.

That clip on social media has since been deleted, but it is now widely reported that Al Ettifaq will soon officially confirm Henderson as their latest new player.

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Other transfers involving European-based players will follow in due course with the likes of Scotland international Jack Hendry and former Lyon forward Moussa Dembele in line to work under Gerrard.

Henderson will leave Liverpool as a club legend, contributing to eight pieces of silverware during his 492 appearances in all competitions, also scoring 39 goals.

As a result, a fourth midfielder will depart Jurgen Klopp's squad this summer following the exits of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on free transfers.

Fabinho has also been linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia, although that deal is now said to be in doubt, while Thiago Alcantara has admirers in each of Spain and Turkey.