Chatting with Liverpool Offside: Saúl, Henderson potentially on the move?

There have been several reputable transfer links between Atlético Madrid and Premier League clubs since the summer transfer window kicked into high gear after EURO 2020 ended. With Rodrigo De Paul in the pack now, Diego Simeone will almost certainly be losing one or two other players from last season’s league-winning squad, and Saúl Ñíguez may be the first name on the list. In recent weeks, the Spaniard has drawn varying interest from FC Barcelona, Manchester United and Liverpool FC.

In addition, the Athletic reported last Sunday that Jordan Henderson’s contract situation has Atlético’s attention as well as Paris Saint-Germain’s, as it seems preliminary extension talks with the Reds’ captain have not gone anywhere.

Considering the rumors have grown in prevalence, we decided to have a short Q&A session with SB Nation’s official Liverpool site, the Liverpool Offside.

What do you make of the Henderson-to-Atlético whispers?

With two years left on his current deal, Henderson’s not going anywhere this summer and the recent rumours of Atleti and PSG interest are his agent trying to motivate the club to extend his stay on Merseyside. If they choose not to, or if his wage or contract length demands are excessive, he could be available next summer if the club want to avoid seeing another highly regarded senior midfielder depart on a free as with Gini Wijnaldum this summer. But Henderson won’t be going anywhere this summer.

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Saúl has been linked with many clubs this summer but there is mutual interest with Liverpool. How do you think Saúl will fit into this Liverpool side?

It’s hard to entirely get a read on that one. He’s an exceptional player who’s made no secret he’s a fan of Liverpool in the past. If he’s being pushed out at Atleti and his fee was in line with the one paid to sign De Paul he would be an exceptional signing, but journalists on the Liverpool end have consistently been cool on the rumours and even at a fee in line with De Paul’s there is better value to be had in the current market. He’s also a touch old for a club that really want to get younger over the next couple of years—hence the recent uncertainty about Jordan Henderson’s future beyond the upcoming season.

Many thanks to the Liverpool Offside for these insights. There’s plenty of time for more developments this summer with both Henderson and Saúl, as a few weeks still remain before domestic leagues return to action.