Liverpool has confirmed the transfer of their captain, Jordan Henderson, to the Saudi Arabian football club Al-Ettifaq, where he will reunite with his former team-mate, Steven Gerrard, recently appointed as the club’s manager.
At 33 years old, the English midfielder’s deal is valued at £12m, inclusive of add-ons. The move comes after Henderson publicly revealed his departure from Liverpool in a farewell video, marking the end of a 12-year tenure during which he secured victories in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Liverpool issued a statement expressing gratitude for Henderson’s contributions to the club, stating, “Everyone at the club wishes to place on record their thanks and appreciation for all Jordan has accomplished for us.”
Since his £20m transfer from Sunderland in June 2011, Henderson has played 492 games for Liverpool, registering 33 goals, 57 assists, and seven major trophy wins. Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, lauded Henderson as a legend on the club’s social media outlets.
Reuniting with Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq will mark a homecoming of sorts for Henderson. The pair shared the pitch as teammates at Anfield prior to Gerrard’s departure in 2015.
On the official Liverpool website, Klopp commented on the difficult decision for Henderson, expressing sadness and acknowledging the significant change for the club. He said, “It’s sad, absolutely strange, because he is the only captain I had here at Liverpool, but I think it is exciting for him as well. We will miss him, without a shadow of a doubt, that’s clear – as a man and as a player. But, as I said, that’s football.”
As captain since 2015, Henderson steered Liverpool to a Champions League win in 2019, followed by victories in the Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup the same year. He also led the Reds to secure the 2019-20 Premier League title, ending a 30-year wait for the English top-flight title. Additional accolades during his Liverpool career include winning the FA Cup in 2022 and the League Cup in 2012 and 2022.
Despite joining Liverpool for their training camp in Germany, Henderson did not participate in the opening game of the pre-season against Karlsruher on 19 July following the agreement with Al-Ettifaq.
Following the release of Henderson’s goodbye video, fans and organizations, including the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, have expressed their gratitude. However, some members of the LGBTQ+ community have questioned Henderson’s decision to transfer to Saudi Arabia due to the nation’s stance on same-sex sexual activity.
Henderson is part of a recent wave of high-profile footballers transferring to Saudi clubs, including his former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino, who joined Al-Ahli, and Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, who received a £40m bid from Al-Ittihad.
Other notable transfers to Saudi clubs include Edouard Mendy from Chelsea to Al-Ahli, Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City to Al-Ahli, Karim Benzema to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid, N’Golo Kante to Al-Ittihad from Chelsea, Jota from Celtic to Al-Ittihad, Ruben Neves from Wolves to Al-Hilal, and Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea to Al-Hilal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jordan Henderson transfer
Who is Jordan Henderson?
Jordan Henderson is an English professional footballer who served as the captain of Liverpool FC before his transfer to Al-Ettifaq.
Which team did Jordan Henderson transfer to?
Jordan Henderson transferred to the Saudi Arabian football club Al-Ettifaq.
Who will Jordan Henderson be teaming up with at Al-Ettifaq?
At Al-Ettifaq, Jordan Henderson will be teaming up with his former Liverpool teammate, Steven Gerrard, who is now the manager of Al-Ettifaq.
How long did Jordan Henderson play for Liverpool before his transfer?
Jordan Henderson played for Liverpool for 12 years before his transfer to Al-Ettifaq.
What were some of Jordan Henderson’s achievements at Liverpool?
During his tenure at Liverpool, Jordan Henderson helped the team win the Premier League, the Champions League, the Uefa Super Cup, the Fifa Club World Cup, the FA Cup (in 2022), and the League Cup (in 2012 and 2022).
How have fans and others reacted to Jordan Henderson’s transfer?
Following the announcement of Henderson’s transfer, many fans and organizations, including the LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, expressed their gratitude for his time at Liverpool. However, some members of the LGBTQ+ community questioned his decision due to Saudi Arabia’s stance on same-sex sexual activity.
More about Jordan Henderson transfer
- Jordan Henderson’s Liverpool Career
- Steven Gerrard’s Management Role at Al-Ettifaq
- LGBTQ+ Rights in Saudi Arabia
- High-profile Transfers to Saudi Arabia
6 comments
Well thats football i guess. Wish Hendo all the best at his new club. YNWA.
Cheers to a legend! Hendo, you’ll be missed in the Prem League.
good luck Henderson. still, feels weird to not see him in a Liverpool jersey.
Didn’t see this coming at all.. Hendo to Saudi Arabia? Gerrard and Henderson teamin up again, that’ll be interesting to watch.
wow! cant belive Hendo’s really leavin us.. he’s been amazin. will miss u Hendo!
Hendo’s move is concerning given Saudi’s stand on LGBT rights. He’s been supportive of the community in the past, hope he can bring some change there too.