Jordan Henderson leaving Liverpool to join Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia would be a ‘game-changing’ transfer.
The Reds captain looks like he could be heading for a surprise transfer to the Middle East this summer. With the Saudi Pro League already securing a list of illustrious names to join their revamped league, Henderson is next on their agenda.
And according to TalkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor, the 33-year-old moving to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq would signal a huge moment for the league. However, Agbonlahor doesn’t expect Henderson to take his decision lightly.
“Steven Gerrard, the link-up there, triple your money,” began the pundit when asked if he’d be surprised to see an Anfield exit for Hendo.
“I know he’s probably on 150 [thousand per week] maybe, he might get 450 thousand pounds a week. I don’t think Jordan Henderson needs the money. He’s come back in tremendous shape for next season. All I’ll say is that if Henderson wants to play in the Euros, if he’s going to Saudi Arabia he won’t be getting picked, so that’s a big decision for him.
“Or does he see it as ‘maybe I’m not going to be playing as much for Liverpool next season, so I won’t get picked [for England] anyway.’ It’s difficult. But this will be a game-changer if Henderson leaves Liverpool. I don’t think he’ll be a starter next season but he’ll play a lot of football and he’s a leader in that team
Henderson weighing up ‘game-changing’ transfer
The Saudi Arabian sides have already signed bigger stars than Henderson this summer, that goes without saying.
Current Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema is there, while Cristiano Ronaldo moved at the start of the year.
But, in Premier League – or at least English football – terms, Henderson making the move would be a significant moment.
At 33, his star may be a little on the wane, but the Reds captain still has a massive profile. A Premier League and Champions League winning skipper, he’s won almost 80 caps for England and is still a regular member of the squad.
Whether we like it or not, it would be an indication that no one in the country is off limits.
That’s quite a sad thing to consider, really. For those of us who expected slightly more from a figurehead like Henderson, this will take a while to digest.
Of course, it remains to be seen just how successful the Saudi project will be. But for the time being, they’re really signalling their intent. That it’s on Liverpool’s watch makes it all the more difficult to stomach.
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