Abdoulaye Doucoure has emerged as Al-Ettifaq's top candidate to replace midfielder Jordan Henderson, following his transfer to Ajax.
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Henderson left to join Ajax
Al-Ettifaq need new midfielder
Everton reluctant to sell star
WHAT HAPPENED?
Henderson terminated his contract with the Saudi Arabian club just six months after he joined from Liverpool and signed for Ajax in a free transfer. The Englishman's departure has the Saudi Pro League team looking for a new midfielder and they have set their eyes on the Everton star, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Al-Ettifaq have already reached out to the Toffees to discuss a possible move for the 31-year-old. They have also been in contact with Doucoure's representative. Everton may be reluctant to sell, however, as the Mali international remains a key player, but Al-Ettifaq will hope to tempt them to let him go with a sizeable offer.
DID YOU KNOW?
Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq have not had the best of seasons so far. They sit eighth in the Saudi Pro League with just six wins from their first 19 matches, leaving them a whopping 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.
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Al-Ettifaq have not won any of their last nine matches in all competitions and will hope to recruit a new midfielder before long to help turn things around. Gerrard will want to have a new player in place by the time they face Al-Khaleej on February 15.