Danny Muprhy would be "really surprised" if Jordan Henderson followed his predecessor as Liverpool captain to Saudi Arabia.
According to a report in the Daily Mail earlier this week, Henderson and out-of-favour Chelsea forward Pierre Emerick Aubameyang could be become two of Steven Gerrard's first signings since taking over Al Ettifaq.
Liverpool legend Gerrard had previously appeared to play down the chance to become the latest big name to join the Saudi Pro League. But on Monday he was unveiled as the new manager of Al Ettifaq.
That came as a shock - and so did the reports that Henderson, who has won every major domestic, European and continental honour there is to win since succeeding Gerrard as Reds skipper, could join him.
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Liverpool are undergoing a revamp of their midfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister having already arrived at the club this summer, but there has been no suggestion that Henderson could leave. The 33-year-old currently has two years left on his contract.
And Murphy, who played alongside Gerrard for Liverpool, believes the England international will be staying put unless he is told his game time will significantly decrease this season.
“(Henderson leaving) would surprise me,” Murphy told talkSPORT. “Unless (there is) an honest conversation with Jurgen Klopp about the amount of games he is going to play or not.
“Jordan still looks physically brilliant. He still looks like he’s got loads to give. He would still be in my Liverpool first XI, 100 per cent. Absolutely 100 per cent.
“I’d be really surprised (if he joined Gerrard in Saudi Arabia).”
Last night Henderson posted a defiant message on social media. He was speaking from his individual summer training camp ahead of Liverpool's return to pre-season training this weekend.
Henderson is not the only Reds midfielder to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Thiago Alcantara, who has one year remaining on his contract, and Fabinho have also been credited as targets for Saudi top-flight clubs.
