Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has officially announced his departure from the club after 12 years of service. The England international will be joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, signing a three-year contract. Henderson underwent a medical in Manchester before finalizing the move, and it is believed that he had extensive discussions with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp regarding his playing time and future role within the team.
Henderson’s decision to join Al-Ettifaq has faced criticism, particularly from the LGBT community, due to Saudi Arabia’s stance on homosexuality. This move has raised questions about Henderson’s previous support for the rainbow laces campaign and his commitment to ending discrimination in football.
During his time at Liverpool, Henderson was a vital part of the team, winning seven major trophies, including the Premier League and Champions League. He succeeded Steven Gerrard as captain in 2015 and spent eight seasons leading the club. Now, he will have the opportunity to reunite with Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq, as Gerrard was recently appointed as the club’s manager.
Unlike other top clubs in Saudi Arabia, Al-Ettifaq does not have financial backing from the Public Investment Fund. As a result, they have agreed to a structured payment plan with Liverpool for Henderson’s transfer fee of £12 million. Henderson will need to help Gerrard overcome a slow start at the club, as they have had two draws and two losses during pre-season.
Henderson is expected to join his new teammates at the training camp in Croatia, where Al-Ettifaq is currently based. There are reports that former Lyon striker Moussa Dembele could also be joining the club. Al-Ettifaq is scheduled to play two more pre-season friendlies before their Saudi Pro League season begins.
It is worth noting that other Premier League players, such as Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy, have also made moves to the Middle East this summer. Additionally, Al-Nassr, Al-Ettifaq’s first opponent of the season, has already signed Alex Telles and Marcelo Brozovic, and they are reportedly targeting Henderson’s former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane as well. There is a possibility that Liverpool’s Fabinho may also join Henderson in Saudi Arabia, as he considers a £40 million move to Al-Ittihad.
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