In a stunning transfer announcement, Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has bid farewell to Anfield after 12 years and completed a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. The news was officially confirmed by both clubs on Thursday, making the England midfielder the latest high-profile player to make the switch from the Premier League to Saudi Arabia.
Liverpool, through their social media channels, confirmed the departure of their long-serving captain, stating, “We can confirm @JHenderson has completed a transfer to Al-Ettifaq.” Meanwhile, Al-Ettifaq expressed their excitement in a post, referring to Henderson as “A leader. A warrior. We’re simply thrilled to have him.”
The 33-year-old midfielder has reportedly finalized a deal with astonishing wages, reaching up to £700,000-a-week. As part of the transfer agreement, Liverpool is set to receive an initial fee of £12 million ($15.5 million) from the Saudi club.
Reflecting on Henderson’s illustrious tenure at Anfield, Liverpool released a heartfelt statement saying, “As his Anfield chapter now comes to a close, everyone at the club wishes to place on record their thanks and gratitude for everything Jordan did for us during his 12 years as a Red.” The statement highlighted the significant role Henderson played in the team’s success over the years.
To bid farewell to the club’s fans, Henderson took to Instagram, expressing his deep emotions about leaving Liverpool. “It’s hard to put these last 12 years into words, and it’s even harder to say goodbye,” he wrote. “I will always be a Red. Until the day I die. Thank you for everything. You’ll never walk alone.”
Henderson’s journey at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable. Under his captaincy, the Reds clinched their first English league title in 30 years in 2020, a feat followed by lifting the Champions League trophy a year prior.
Interestingly, the England international will be reunited with his former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who now serves as the manager of Al-Ettifaq. This reunion is expected to add even more depth and excitement to the Saudi club’s midfield.
However, Henderson’s move to Saudi Arabia hasn’t been without controversy. The conservative monarchy’s spending spree on sports has often been criticized as “sportswashing,” an attempt to divert attention from the country’s human rights record. Saudi Arabia has faced international condemnation for its treatment of the LGBT+ community and other human rights issues. Last year, the country executed 81 people in a single day, while homosexuality remains outlawed.
It is worth noting that Henderson is not the only Premier League player to make the leap to Saudi Arabia. Previously, players like N’Golo Kante from Chelsea and Roberto Firmino from Liverpool have also made high-profile moves to the region.
Despite the criticism surrounding the move, Jordan Henderson embarks on a new chapter in his football career, aiming to make an impact in the Saudi Pro League and continue his legacy as a formidable midfielder. His departure leaves a lasting mark on Liverpool, and fans will forever cherish the memories of his time as captain of the Reds.
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