Ben Jacobs reports that Liverpool has identified two players that Al Ettifaq, a Saudi Pro League team, may be interested in signing.
Reds duo Joel Matip and Joe Gomez were among the names named and discussed during manager Steven Gerrard’s recent three-hour transfer discussion with the team, according to an exclusive interview with CaughtOffside for his Daily Briefing column by Jacobs.
Last summer, Liverpool traded Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to Saudi teams. Given that Gomez is a member of the squad and that Matip is getting closer to becoming a free agent, it is possible that Liverpool would be willing to let him go.
“To strengthen Gerrard’s team, Ettifaq is looking into a number of bold options for both January and this summer. This window’s Al-Ettifaq targets are Abdulellah Al-Malki of Al-Hilal and Ryan Kent of Fenerbahce. In addition to Villa’s Bertrand Traore and Liverpool’s Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, Steven Gerrard attended a three-hour recruitment meeting on Monday, according to Jacobs.
Liverpool vs. Burnley Gomez
Joe Gomez and a relocation to Saudi Arabia have been connected.
Henderson might be given some of these names in an effort to reassure him about the project’s future and plans. The England midfielder is thought to be self-representing, and while Ettifaq’s “not for sale” position may still be put to the test should he find a serious offer, facilitating his departure will undoubtedly be difficult.
It’s possible that players like Matip and Gomez are being considered in order to keep the England international content and help him feel more at home at the club with two of his former LFC teammates, given that Jordan Henderson has reportedly been searching for a way out of Al Ettifaq.
