Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is set to leave the club as they have agreed to a deal worth £12m plus add-ons with Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq. Henderson, who has two years remaining on his contract, traveled with Liverpool to Germany for their training camp but did not feature in their recent friendly match. The 31-year-old midfielder’s departure follows a £40m offer from Al-Ittihad for fellow Liverpool midfielder Fabinho. Several notable players have made moves to Saudi Arabia this summer, including Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard’s recent appointment as manager of Al-Ettifaq likely played a role in Henderson’s decision. The club has been active in the transfer market, signing players like Roberto Firmino and being linked with Riyad Mahrez. Henderson joined Liverpool in 2011 from Sunderland in a £20m deal. Last season, he made 43 appearances for the Reds as they finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League qualification.
During his time at Liverpool, Henderson played a significant role in the club’s success. He captained the team to victory in the 2019 UEFA Champions League, followed by the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup titles. Henderson also led Liverpool to their long-awaited Premier League triumph in the 2019-20 season, ending a 30-year wait for the English top-flight title. In total, he has made 491 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 33 goals and providing 58 assists.
Henderson’s departure marks the end of an era at Liverpool, as he leaves behind a legacy of achievements. In addition to his domestic and European success, he lifted the FA Cup in 2022 and the League Cup in 2012 and 2022. The midfielder’s influence extended beyond the pitch, as he was widely respected for his leadership qualities and commitment to the club.
While Liverpool will undoubtedly feel the void left by Henderson’s departure, the deal allows him to embark on a new chapter in his career. Al-Ettifaq’s acquisition of the experienced midfielder strengthens their squad and adds further quality to the Saudi Arabian league, which has been attracting high-profile players in recent times.
As the transfer window progresses, Liverpool will need to carefully consider their options to reinforce their midfield and fill the leadership vacuum created by Henderson’s departure. The club will be looking to build a strong squad capable of competing in domestic and European competitions under the guidance of manager Jurgen Klopp.
