Henderson is left OUT of Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Karlsruher SC

Jordan Henderson has been left out of Liverpool's squad for their first pre-season friendly amid uncertainty over his future at the club.

Club captain Henderson has been offered a staggering deal worth more than £700,000 per week to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq, where Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard recently took charge.

While no decision has been officially confirmed, his absence for their friendly Karlsruher SC suggests that Henderson could soon be on his way out.

The Liverpool skipper could see his current wages quadrupled if he secures a move to Al-Ettifaq - who are willing to pay him £700k-a-week.

The initial indications were that Henderson would be reluctant to leave Liverpool at this stage of his career, and was worried about his England place with the 2024 European Championship coming up at the end of next season.

It's understood that his family also had reservations about a relocating to the Middle East.

Like Gerrard, however, Henderson has had second thoughts about moving to Saudi and is now giving serious consideration to Al-Ettifaq's offer.

His potential exit comes amid a midfield exodus at the Merseyside club - with the likes of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain having all departed Anfield as free agents in recent months.

There have also been suggestions that Brazilian midfielder Fabinho could similarly follow Henderson to Saudi Arabia amid interest from Al-Ittihad.

Henderson's potential move to the Middle East has left one Liverpool LGBT group 'appalled and concerned' by the midfielder's actions.

The Reds veteran has previously earned praise for his vocal commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in football.

More to follow...