January 11, (THEWILL) – Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq are likely to revive their interest in Liverpool pair Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara this summer, according to reports. The duo’s contracts at Anfield expire in June, prompting Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard to consider potential moves as he seeks to strengthen his squad.
Ettifaq have struggled in the Saudi Pro League this season, currently sitting 8th in the table. With little money to spend in January and foreign player quotas already filled, the club is focusing on Bosman signings (of free agents) in the summer window. Matip and Thiago were targets in 2023 before Ettifaq signed Jordan Henderson instead.
As both players enter the last six months of their Liverpool deals, Ettifaq can open direct negotiations over potential pre-contract agreements. Gerrard is also hoping to reunite with former Rangers winger, Ryan Kent, now at Fenerbahce, and has Aston Villa’s Bertrand Traore on his radar.
Much depends on Henderson’s future. Despite only joining last summer, the England midfielder is reportedly unsettled in Saudi Arabia. However, Ettifaq do not want to sell and would demand a high fee if he pushes for a move. So far, Henderson has not officially asked to leave.
Securing Matip and Thiago for free would soften the blow of losing Henderson. With Gerrard at the helm, Ettifaq are leveraging his English Premier League connections to lure talent from Europe. Success this summer is viewed as key to reversing their fortunes next season.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
