Liverpool Football Club has reached an agreement in principle with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq to sell their captain Jordan Henderson.
The end of an era. Shared some of the best moments of my life with these lads. Memories and a brotherhood that will last a lifetime. ❤️ Good luck to you all on your journey, it’s been an amazing ride. Massive thank you to the fans for your support this season. #YNWA pic.twitter.com/Dxk2m8lXcn
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) May 28, 2023
The deal, reportedly worth £12million with potential add-ons, marks the end of Henderson’s illustrious tenure at Anfield, as he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his footballing career.
Despite being part of Liverpool’s training camp in Germany, Henderson did not feature in their recent friendly victory over Karlsruher, hinting at ongoing negotiations over his transfer. The England midfielder, 33, has two more years left on his contract with Liverpool, but the lure of a new challenge in Saudi Arabia seems to have drawn him away.
The agreed transfer comes on the heels of Liverpool receiving a £40million bid from the Emirates for another midfield stalwart, Fabinho, last week. Unlike Henderson, Fabinho did not travel to Germany with the squad, indicating the club are actively considering major changes to their midfield composition.
Notably, Al-Ettifaq recently appointed former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as his manager, who played a major role in Henderson’s decision to join the Saudi Arabian outfit. It reunites Liverpool’s two former midfield masters, albeit on different talents, at their new clubs.
Henderson’s journey with Liverpool has been one of great success and silverware. Joining the club from Sunderland in 2011 for a fee of £20 million, he quickly established himself as a key player in the team’s midfield engine. With 491 appearances for the Reds, Henderson has been a driving force, scoring 33 goals and providing 58 assists during his tenure.
Under his captaincy, Liverpool achieved notable milestones, winning the UEFA Champions League title in 2019, followed by triumphs in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup later that year. Additionally, Henderson played an integral role in the Reds’ historic 2019–20 Premier League triumph, ending the club’s 30-year wait for an English top-flight title.
His contributions have extended beyond league success, as he led Liverpool to FA Cup glory in 2022 and League Cup triumphs in 2012 and 2022. Henderson’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to Liverpool has left an indelible mark on the club and its fans, leading to his departure. An exciting moment for all involved with the Merseyside team.
