According to a report from Liverpool Echo, an Al Ettifaq news outlet has stated that Jordan Henderson is set to travel to Croatia and join his new teammates on Monday. It was stated that he successfully underwent a medical examination in Manchester on Friday, paving the way for his £12 million transfer.
Following the medical clearance, Henderson is now scheduled to join Steven Gerrard’s team in Europe as they prepare for the upcoming Saudi Pro League season.
Henderson’s Performance For Liverpool In The Previous Season
During his last campaign at Anfield, Henderson faced challenges maintaining consistency and struggled to impact the opponent’s half significantly. Across all competitions, the English international participated in 37 Reds matches but provided only two assists.
Despite these difficulties, the 33-year-old made the most of his appearances and showcased notable performance indicators, particularly in Premier League matches. He averaged 0.9 tackles, 0.9 key passes, and 0.7 interceptions per game, highlighting his defensive contributions. Additionally, Henderson displayed excellent distribution skills in the attacking half, exemplified by an impressive pass success rate of 84.9% in the highest echelon of English football, according to statistics sourced from whoscored.
Can Klopp Find A Decent Replacement?
Jordan Henderson played a crucial role in Liverpool’s past successes, instrumental in their Premier League campaigns and UEFA Champions League triumphs. As the team’s captain, he was the driving force in Klopp’s system, providing leadership both on and off the pitch.
The English international’s tireless work rate, versatility, and ability to motivate teammates made him an invaluable asset at the Merseyside club all these years. However, it was evident that his strengths were more in defensive contributions than attacking prowess.
The recent additions of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to the squad have increased competition for places in Liverpool’s midfield. While these new signings offer promising additions, the value of Henderson’s leadership, experience, and work rate cannot be overlooked. His departure has left a significant void at Anfield that may be difficult to fill during this summer transfer window. However, finding a suitable replacement to add more depth in the midfield is of utmost importance for the Reds.