Liverpool: Reflecting on Jordan Henderson's transfer to Al Ettifaq - How will Liverpool cope?

Liverpool legend won eight major trophies at Anfield and will leave after 12 years of service

When The Athletic reported that Jordan Henderson was “leaning” toward joining Saudi Arabian club Al Ettifaq, it seemed like their sources had gotten mixed up. The Liverpool captain had just reported for preseason and appeared to be in the best shape of his life.  

Yet, as the hours roll by, it looks more and more apparent that Henderson will leave Anfield this month and head to the Middle East, bringing an end to an amazing 12-year stay on Merseyside. By the time you read this, Liverpool’s No 14 could be in Saudi Arabia ready to play for his new club.  

While synonymous as Liverpool’s captain since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival, there was a time when Henderson’s future at Anfield wasn’t guaranteed. There was a large section of fans that wanted him gone after a few poor performances.   

Even former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wasn’t sold on Henderson and tried to swap him for Fulham’s Clint Dempsey in 2012. Indeed, Rodgers was so low on Henderson as a player that it wasn’t until Klopp’s arrival that Liverpool fans started to see the best from the midfielder on a regular basis. 

Henderson stayed, refusing to go to Fulham and fight for a place in the Liverpool team. His hard work paid off, and Henderson later led the Reds to Premier League and Champions League glory. Henderson also won the League Cup, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, Community Shield, and FIFA Club World Cup.   

Plenty of fans will debate who was the better captain, Henderson or Steven Gerrard. The former has been an incredible player for the club and has made those around him better over the years. Gerrard, on the other hand, was a far better individual player than Henderson. Yet, the former Liverpool No 8 wasn’t the same leader on and off the pitch as Henderson.  

While Henderson isn’t afraid to scream and yell at teammates, Gerrard stared through them with an icy glare. It was like he questioned why the rest of the squad wasn’t at his level. Both led by example but in different ways. How fitting it will be that Henderson will play for Gerrard at Al Ettifaq if he does leave Liverpool.   

Perhaps Henderson’s last move as captain will be to leave Anfield for a significant transfer fee. The money will enable the club to reinvest in the midfield, which needed work ahead of the summer. Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is apparently on Liverpool’s speed dial. He will be signed with the transfer fee the Reds earn from any sale of Henderson. Unless a transfer fee is agreed, Liverpool will retain their captain and potentially end any pursuit of Lavia.   

Henderson will quadruple his salary at Al Ettifaq in a deal that has already been verbally agreed, according to reports. Of course, how much money does one man need? The move will be questioned from a human rights and sports washing perspective.  

But from a sporting point of view, it could be good business for Liverpool. The money Saudi teams are willing to offer Premier League clubs for players provides the teams in England with a chance to make transfer sales. The rest of the world’s football clubs cannot afford the salaries and transfer fees of Premier League stars. Saudi Arabia can and teams are willing to pay top dollar to attract Premier League players to the Middle East.   

Henderson’s departure will mean four midfielders have left Liverpool this offseason. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and James Milner left after their contracts expired. But Henderson may not be the last Liverpool midfielder to exit the club. Liverpool have been offered £40 million for Fabinho, as Saudi club Al Ittihad are trying to lure the Brazilian this summer. Thiago has also been approached by a Saudi club. In one transfer window, Liverpool could potentially lose five or six first-team midfielders.   

The Reds have already brought in World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister and two-time DFB Pokal winner Dominik Szoboszlai this summer. Lavia would be a third signing, but Liverpool were initially put off by the youngster’s £50m price tag. If both Henderson and Fabinho were to leave, Liverpool would be forced to sign two midfielders – Lavia plus one more.  

Klopp does have three young academy-produced players ready to play more minutes next season. Curtis Jones ended the 2022-23 season in fantastic form after finally getting over several freak injuries. He starred for England U21s in the European Championship, winning man of the match in the final against Spain. Jones could have been named player of the tournament, but that honour went to Anthony Gordon. 

Along with Jones, Klopp has Harvey Elliott, who also had a strong U21 European Championship. Some fans forget that Elliott’s form in 2021-22 was so strong that he kept Thiago out of the starting XI until suffering a dislocated ankle against Leeds United. 

Defensive midfielder Stefan Bajcetic played a major role last season, keeping Fabinho out of the starting XI. The teenager suffered an injury that cut his campaign short. Now, fully healed, Bajcetic will be expected to kick on. Then, Klopp has Tyler Morton. The defensive midfielder was loaned to Championship club Blackburn Rovers last season. Just 20 years old, Morton played in 46 games, recording four assists, and helped Blackburn fight for a playoff place until the final day of the campaign.  

Henderson’s departure for Al Ettifaq will allow Liverpool to get younger. At 33 years old, Henderson is nearing the end of his career and will head to the Middle East for one last payday. His leadership – along with that of the departed Milner – cannot be replaced. With so many young players in the team, Liverpool will have a lack of experience. The armband would go to Virgil van Dijk, who may fall more into the Steven Gerrard-style of captains rather than the Jordan Henderson mould.   

For years, Henderson has exhibited the work ethic young players should aspire to. He is often the example of the player I tell my 10-year-old son to replicate. Coincidentally, one of his first Liverpool shirts was a Henderson No 14. After a good game, my son will say, “I worked my ass off like Jordan Henderson.”   

In football, things change, time goes on, and players come and go. For 12 years, Henderson has given everything for Liverpool. He has been a cornerstone of the team since Klopp’s arrival. Leaving Liverpool will give the Reds the chance to continue to refresh the squad, with young players. But it will leave a Henderson-sized hole that won’t be easily filled.