No one thought it was possible, but after 12 years, Liverpool’s captain, Jordan Henderson, has finally decided to quit the Reds. He couldn’t say no to Al-Ettifaq and their lucrative offer and has finally decided to join up with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who has recently been hired as the manager of the team.
Will the partnership of two Liverpool legends bring glory to the Dammam-based club? It remains to be seen as the Saudi league continues to pluck European talent left and right.
Early Career
Henderson started his career in his native Sunderland at the age of eight. He signed his professional contract with the Black Cats in 2008 and stayed with the club for three years, not including a loan spell at Coventry in 2009.
Him showing signs of maturity in the midfield caught the attention of many Premier League clubs and managers, forcing Liverpool to make the first move. He transferred to Merseyside in 2011.
He may have had a rocky start at Liverpool at first. But by the 2013/14 League season, he established himself as an important part of Liverpool’s midfield, which was later rewarded with him being given the captain’s armband in 2015.
Career Highlights
Making Jordan’s move even more poetic is the fact that he replaced Steven Gerard as Liverpool’s captain. He has proven himself both on the pitch and in the locker room as a steady force that could drive the Reds to success. It is exactly what he did.
Henderson helped his team win their first English league title since the inception of the Premier League. Under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp, Henderson lifted the long-coveted trophy during the 2019/20 EPL season.
A season prior, Henderson won another important accolade with his team, the Champions League title. Unfortunately, they could have won more but failed on two more occasions in the final, both times against Real Madrid.
Henderson also became an irreplaceable member of the English national team midfield. Making 77 appearances and scoring three goals between 2010 and 2023. He was also a part of the Three Lions team that reached the 2020 European Championship final.
The Final Goodbye
At first, it seemed improbable that Hendeson would leave the club he loves so much and captains. Even though he is 33 years old and is showing signs of slowing down, he still has a lot left in his legs to push the Reds to yet another title challenge. There is no secret that Liverpool’s main problem is its midfield and that they need an immediate revamp. But releasing Henderson was never their intention, no matter what.
After the initial rumours emerged, talks began to intensify. After a month, it soon became clear that Jordan is pushing for a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League. Besides playing in a less challenging league for more money, playing alongside his hero and former team captain, Steven Gerard, was what interested him the most.
In the end, Liverpool agreed on a £12 million fee from Al-Ettifaq. With Jordan making a whopping £36.4 million a year, as reports state. He has already chosen the number 10 shirt. Jordan will be joining Moussa Dembélé and Robin Quaison, who are also playing there.
