European giants set to battle Ajax for former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson - Reports
Juventus are reportedly ready to battle Ajax for the signature of former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson. As reported by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Massimiliano Allegri's side are monitoring the situation of the experienced midfielder at Al-Ettifaq.
Henderson moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq in the summer, but things have not quite worked out for him at the Damman-based club. Despite playing under his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, Henderson is understood to be desperate to return to Europe and is exploring his options.
As reported by The Guardian earlier this week, Eredivisie giants Ajax have expressed their interest in the Englishman, with Juventus now also in the fray.
Henderson is understood to have struggled to settle in Saudi Arabia because of the heat and humidity. He's also far from impressed with Al Ettifaq's average attendance of 7,800 in a 35,000-capacity stadium.
Al-Ettifaq are nine games without a win since October, with manager Steven Gerrard's future also up in the air. Therefore, it's understood that Henderson is desperate for an exit this month and wants an 18-month loan to switch back to Europe.
Before his switch to Al-Ettifaq, Henderson enjoyed 12 years with Liverpool, captaining the side for eight years. He won everything for the Merseyside giants and etched his name in their history books.
He left Jurgen Klopp's side to join Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq in a reported £12 million deal following his 12-year stint at Anfield. The England international has made 19 appearances for Faris Ad-Dahna, contributing five assists.
Sam Allardyce makes big claim regarding Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold
Sam Allardyce has said that Liverpool could save millions by converting Trent Alexander-Arnold into a midfielder. The ex-England manager added that the creative full-back has everything in his locker to play full-time in midfield.
The former Everton and Sunderland manager noted that the Englishman has done exceptionally well in his new inverted full-back role. On the No Tippy Tappy Football Podcast, the former Everton manager said, as quoted by TBR Football:
“His defensive work is not as big a responsibility anymore. It’s really suited him and anyone who says it shouldn’t be his permanent position is barking up the wrong tree. Also it saves Liverpool a lot of money signing a player of that quality because his range of passing.”
Alexander-Arnold has reinvented himself since his switch to a new role and looks much more threatening. The 25-year-old has scored twice and produced nine assists in 25 games across competitions this season. He's currently out of action with a knee injury, though.