Jordan Henderson and Mo Salah hold 'secret' meeting In West London
Jordan Henderson met up with Mohamed Salah in a London restaurant on Wednesday afternoon and the former Liverpool captain has already made his feelings clear about the Egyptian’s proposed move to Saudi Arabia.
Salah was left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad in midweek against Inter after hitting out at boss Arne Slot. This has led to suggestions that the forward could leave Anfield in January, with a move to the Middle East mooted.
Henderson quit Anfield for a lucrative contract with Saudi side Al-Ettifaq in 2023 so he is well-positioned to offer Salah advice.
And all the signs are that Henderson will give Salah the green light to move because he previously spoke positively about the winger taking the leap.
Speaking to The Athletic two years ago, he said: “I don’t really know exactly what’s going on. I just see what’s being said in the media in terms of the bids going in and things like that.
“He’ll have a big impact — whether that’s at Liverpool or in the Saudi League (...) whether that’s now, in the future or whenever it may be. He’s a fantastic addition to any team."
Henderson spent just five months in the Middle East, making 19 appearances, before returning to Europe with Ajax. He was heavily criticised by some LGBTQ+ campaigners due to the country's laws on same-sex relations, having previously been a big LGBTQ+ supporter.
Salah signed a new two-year contract in April so his most likely next destination is to join the Saudi Pro League. The league’s chief Omar Mugharbel recently confirmed that “Salah is welcome”.
Liverpool bosses have yet to decide how they will punish Salah for his outburst but one thing is clear, the rumour mill has already begun working overtime surrounding his future.
Meanwhile, former Egypt star Mido has advised Salah to move to Saudi. He told Sky Sports: "I've been in this situation before. When the Liverpool game is on, all of Egypt are there in front of the TV waiting for Salah to play, waiting for him to score a goal. They all feel that their son is playing today in the best league in the world. They are proud of him.
"This puts him under so much pressure to play and to be involved. He's not a regular guy. He's the king here in Egypt. People have to understand that.
"It was the same for me when I was playing for Tottenham, for example. All of Egypt was waiting for the game. All of Egypt were sitting there in the coffee shops waiting for me to play today. They were proud of me. They are proud of Salah. And this puts you under pressure. I've been in this situation."
He added: "I think he should leave. I think it's time for him to leave.
"If you lose this confidence with the manager, it's hard to be fixed. But if he leaves, he must leave from the big door, if you know what I mean. He's done so much for Liverpool. He's a legend."