Jordan Henderson’s surprise summer transfer from Liverpool to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq is very close to completion.
According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, a fee of £12million has been agreed between the two sides. There is an agreement on personal terms too. Romano said:
“The feeling is that the deal is almost done. We said, ‘here we go,’ and we can confirm the agreement between Jordan Henderson and Al-Ettifaq, the team trained by Steven Gerrard [on a] three-year contract. Henderson said yes, but now also the clubs have an agreement, we said that 24 hours ago.
“It’s for £12m fee plus add-ons. These are the terms of the agreement for Jordan Henderson to join Al-Ettifaq. I’m told that they are still checking all the documents so it could take some days to sign the deal and see Henderson in an Al-Ettifaq shirt but the deal is done.”
This seems like a deal that will be announced soon. Henderson is as good as gone and we have to start planning for life without him.
The first task will be choosing a new captain, and Virgil van Dijk and Trent-Alexander Arnold come to mind. But equally important, if not more, is signing a new midfielder.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister’s transfers were meant to compensate for James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain’s departures.
But this leaves us without a key first-team player. At 33, Henderson wasn’t going to get better. But the leadership and fitness levels he showed were always an asset.
Even during injury troubles, Hendo’s availability always helped. For Al-Ettifaq, Hendo will be a great leader who can converse with Steven Gerrard at a more informal level.
The two can have a chemistry that will drip down to the squad. One can understand why Stevie G went for his former teammate. A familiar face with leadership skills will always help.
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock berates Rafa Benitez for having horrible man-management skills, forcing him…
Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is “very curious” to work under current Feyenoord manager Arne Slot…
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez wants to stay at the club, rejecting recent interest from Barcelona…
Wieffer and Geertruida could move to Liverpool alongside Arne Slot Ahead of Jürgen Klopp's departure…
Barcelona star Pedri unlikely to move to Liverpool in the summer, says Fabrizio Romano Football…
Liverpool legend John Aldridge backs Darwin Nunez to fulfil his potential by ignoring “fake” online…