Exclusive: Jordan Henderson Set to Depart Liverpool for New Club in Shock Transfer Agreement

Liverpool Captain Jordan Henderson Set to Move to Al Ettifaq in Shock Transfer Deal

Deal Agreed between Liverpool and Al Ettifaq

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is set to leave the club‘s training camp in Germany after a deal in principle was reached between Liverpool and Al Ettifaq. The Saudi Arabian club, managed by Henderson’s former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, agreed to pay a fee of £12 million plus add-ons for the midfielder. Henderson has also agreed to a three-year contract worth nearly £700,000 per week with Al Ettifaq.

Criticism and Controversy Surrounding the Transfer

The proposed transfer has sparked controversy due to Saudi Arabia’s stance on homosexuality. Homosexuality is illegal in the country, and Liverpool‘s LGBTQI+ supporters’ group, Kop Outs, expressed their concern about the transfer. They stated that they would be “appalled” if the deal were to go through. Henderson has been known for his support of the LGBTQI+ community and fans, making his move to a country with such laws disappointing for many.

Henderson’s Contributions to Liverpool

Henderson joined Liverpool in 2011 from Sunderland and was appointed club captain after Gerrard’s departure in 2015. He has been a consistent presence in the Liverpool side, making 492 appearances in all competitions. Last season, he played 43 times for Liverpool, making 23 starts in the Premier League as Jurgen Klopp’s side finished fifth. Henderson’s leadership on and off the pitch has been invaluable to Liverpool and England.

The Departures and Refreshment of Liverpool‘s Midfield

Henderson’s departure, along with the possible exit of Fabinho, leaves Liverpool with a void in their midfield. The club has already undergone significant changes in midfield this offseason, with players like Milner, Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Melo leaving at the end of their contracts. New signings such as Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig have been brought in to inject energy and creativity into the team.

The Need for a Specialist Defensive Midfielder

However, with the potential departure of both Henderson and Fabinho, Liverpool may need to consider bringing in a specialist defensive midfielder. While Mac Allister and Szoboszlai can provide attacking prowess, a player with defensive qualities will be necessary to maintain the balance of the team. Liverpool has shown interest in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia and Crystal Palace’s Cheick Doucoure as potential options. However, the club believes that the asking price for Lavia, at £50 million, is too high. Liverpool also has promising young players like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott who can contribute to the midfield.

Filling the Void of Experience in Midfield

Despite the new signings, the potential loss of experienced players like Henderson and Fabinho will require Liverpool to find suitable replacements. The leadership and experience they brought to the team will need to be filled, as the mesmerizing combination of youth and experience has been a key component of Liverpool‘s success in recent years.

Overall, Henderson’s move to Al Ettifaq is a surprising development that raises questions about Saudi Arabia’s stance on human rights and LGBTQI+ rights. It also presents a challenge for Liverpool to reconfigure their midfield and maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season. The decisions made in the transfer market will be crucial in shaping Liverpool‘s chances for success.