Liverpool could be reunited with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino in Champions League

Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino could find themselves with the chance to line up against Liverpool in Champions League competition in the future if Saudi Arabia gets its wish.

The former Reds trio all exited Merseyside this summer as the mammoth spend from the Saudi Pro League, borne from their four biggest sides having been acquired by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF) earlier this year, saw talent from across Europe head to the Middle Eastern nation.

Firmino joined Al-Ahli upon his Reds contract ending, while Henderson completed a move to the Steven Gerrard-managed Al-Ettifaq in an initial £12m deal, and Fabinho joined Al-Ittihad in a £40m move shortly after, meaning Liverpool have had to go back into the market for midfield reinforcements.

The major spend by the Saudi Pro League’s top clubs, dominated by PIF-owned big four of Al-Ahli, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and A-Nassr, is part of a wider government strategy to increase the profile of the league and make it one of the world’s best as the Gulf nation seeks to change the narrative and diversify revenues away from oil and gas by using sport as a driver for change.